NRG Energy Inc., owner and operator of one of the nation's largest power generation portfolios, is now partnering with the University of Delaware to take electric vehicles (EVs) to the next level with eV2gSM — a company commercializing new technology that will enable EV owners to sell the energy stored in the batteries of their parked cars to help stabilize the electricity grid.
Pioneered by Willett Kempton, director of UD's Center for Carbon-free Integration, the patented "vehicle-to-grid technology," or V2G, holds promise in transforming the future of the electricity supply.
The eV2g technology will for the first time offer a two-way interface between EVs and the electric grid, resulting in cost savings to EV owners and consumers, and cleaner, more reliable electricity, said Denise Wilson, president of NRG's Alternative Energy Services. "It's one more way EV owners can commit to a sustainable energy future and get paid for it at the same time," she said.
The technology will allow EV owners to sell battery storage back to the grid while the vehicle is plugged in — at no risk or inconvenience to daily driving needs. The program initially will help fleet managers to get connected, then individual owners. Once plugged in, EVs will be able to communicate with the grid and enable grid operators to pull power during peak usage periods. Owners can schedule in advance times when their EVs need more charging than usual, as for an unusually long trip, and what minimum level of charge they want to maintain. eV2g collects payment from the grid operator and pays EV owners for making their vehicles available.
"The energy storage inherent in automobiles is staggering," said David Weir, director of UD's Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships. "If all the automobiles in the U.S. were electrified it would be enough to power the entire U.S. for half a day. The strategic partnership between NRG and UD provides the opportunity to tap this enormous potential thereby enhancing energy security, facilitating integration of renewables and lowering the cost of electricity."