What if we could use the energy stored in electric vehicles (EVs) to supplement power on the national grid when local sources of renewable energy like solar and wind become unavailable? Or to help commercial buildings reduce their demand for electricity from fossil-fuel-burning power plants? Or even to power a commercial building following a public safety power shutoff by the local utility?
Actually, that day is already here for an increasing number of owners of fleets of electric-powered vehicles including cars, vans, school buses, and light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Unfortunately, most U.S. consumers do not currently have easy access to this vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration process. But the good news is that costs are coming down, state energy commissions are focused on shaping relevant power-sharing standards, and increasing numbers of auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and EV charging station manufacturers are planning how best to incorporate V2G capabilities into cu