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A trial has successfully demonstrated that electric vehicles (EVs) could receive direct signals from National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) to help balance the energy system in real time.
In what is being labelled as an industry first, Octopus Energy and the ESO ran a series of trials using a test environment of the Balancing Mechanism.
During these tests, which took place earlier this month, Octopus charged and discharged the batteries of up to 20 EVs at times of grid imbalance.
The results have been described as a “major turning point in electricity supply”.
The companies said in a joint statement that the trial demonstrated that a million EVs exporting to the grid over the course of an hour could generate the same amount of power of more than 5,000 onshore wind turbines.
They added that consumers could play a direct role in balancing the national transmission system through their EVs in the future.
Octopus’ EV arm has conducted separate analysis that suggests the results, if extrapolated across a whole year, show EVs could realise an annual profit of around £62 million and also save non-participating customers money through grid balancing cost reductions.
Further analysis by the company indicated customers could save up to £840 a year compared to unscheduled charging on a flat rate tariff.
Claire Miller, director of technology and innovation at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “This is a real ‘line in the sand’ moment for V2G tech. We have shown that this technology is capable of helping to balance our future, green grid, to the benefit of people and the planet.
“We’ve proved what is possible with the technology and cars that are currently on the market, and this is only going to grow. Soon we will have millions of electric cars sitting on driveways capable of storing and exporting green energy back to the grid when it needs it most – and once the vehicle to grid proposition is ready to be launched, these cars will help to support our renewables expansion and taking us a huge step closer to net zero.”
Jake Rigg, corporate affairs director at National Grid ESO, added: “Vehicle-to-grid technology opens the door for everyone to engage in our electricity system, in a way that we can all benefit from.
“The next steps for us are to take these learnings and work with industry on how we develop and deploy a balancing mechanism service for V2G.
“The trial findings will also influence future innovation projects, including the CrowdFlex project we are currently developing with industry, to establish additional routes for consumer engagement in electricity networks.”
Issues surrounding EVs will be discussed in more depth at Utility Week Forum on 8-9 November in London. Find out more here.
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