Electric vehicles are more than just a cleaner mode of transportation, they’re increasingly valuable assets to electrical grids. Here, we dive into the what and how of EV charging and the actual benefits to local power networks.

Electric vehicles and the grid: A powerful partnership

EVs can help strengthen the grid through technologies like bidirectional charging or Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), which allows them to return electricity to homes, businesses, or even the grid itself. These capabilities position EVs as tools for grid support and stabilization.   

Unlike other major electricity demands, EV charging is flexible. Through managed charging, where utilities schedule or control charging times, energy use can be spread out to avoid demand spikes. For example, EV owners can be incentivized to charge during off-peak hours at lower rates, ensuring charging occurs when demand on the grid is lower. This flexibility prevents simultaneous charging spikes and reduces strain on the system. 

EV owner Robert from Homestead, FL, says his favorite EV features are “the independence and resilience of having solar on the roof and an EV in the garage.” He appreciates the “bi-directional connection between EV and home,” which lets him charge his car at home and also “use the vehicle as a home battery in grid-down situations.”

As of 2023, EVs represented just 0.25% of US energy consumption. Adoption won’t happen overnight, which gives utilities time to adapt and expand grid capacity as EV sales grow. Utilities are also required to plan for future electricity needs, meaning they are already preparing for additional demand from EVs and other sources. 

Preparing the grid for the future

Our current network has significant capacity for growth. EV charging can even help optimize grid efficiency when paired with renewable energy. For example, EVs can charge during periods of peak solar or wind production, accessing clean power. 

Additionally, EVs have the potential to reduce energy costs for all utility customers. Over the last 11 years, EV drivers across the U.S. have contributed $3.12 billion in net revenue to utilities, which helps drive down electricity rates for everyone. 

What is vehicle-grid integration (VGI)?

EVs also open the door to new technologies that actively strengthen the grid, known as Vehicle-Grid-Integration (VGI). VGI is the integration of EVs with the grid to: 

• Maximize renewable energy use
• Increase efficiency 
• Avoid costly grid updates 

There are two main types of VGI: V1G (smart charging), which involves unidirectional charging, where utilities can shift and control when EVs charge based on factors such as departure time or cheaper rates. V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): Bidirectional charging, where EVs not only consume electricity but can also send power back to the grid. This transforms EVs into mobile energy storage devices, providing backup during peak demand and improving grid stability. 

Another important distinction is how EV charging is adaptable with other growing electricity demands, like data centers. As mentioned above, EVs represented just 0.25% of US energy consumption, whereas data centers consumed approximately 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume between 6.7% and 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. Data centers, especially those powering AI, require constant, around-the-clock electricity. By contrast, EV charging is distributed, flexible, and controllable, making it a tool for grid stability rather than a threat. 

TLDR: EVs are a powerful asset to the grid. With smart planning, flexible charging, and technologies like V2G, EVs can actually make our grid stronger, cleaner, and more resilient.

Want to learn more?

https://www.ucs.org/resources/harnessing-power-electric-vehicles 

https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/project-ev-grid-integration