A revolutionary electric vehicle charging network could help usher in a new and cost-effective way for people to charge their cars.
Though bidirectional charging technology has been around for a few years, it's still considered relatively new. Its adoption has been slowed by infrastructure concerns, but the technology is beginning to gain significant traction.
Bidirectional EV charging allows electricity to flow both ways. This means that EVs can receive electricity from the grid to charge their batteries and send electricity back to the grid or other devices.
This technology transforms EVs from energy consumers into flexible energy storage units. So, not only does bidirectional EV charging open the door for increased cost savings, but it also creates the opportunity for backup power sources and enhanced grid stability.
In Utrecht, the Netherlands, 50 bidirectional charging EVs have been launched by carsharing company MyWheels and We Drive Solar, a sustainable EV solutions company. As Electrive reported, they represent the first of 500 vehicles planned for operation. But according to Robin Berg, founder and CEO of We Drive Solar, the proposed 500 vehicles are still just a drop in the bucket.
"We're moving from small-scale tests and pilot schemes to large-scale deployment," Berg said at Utrecht Energized, the launch event for the EVs. "One car might be enough for a neighborhood. But not to stabilize the grid. For that, we need many cars."
To help bring functional bidirectional charging EVs to life, a small fleet of Renault 5s was equipped with bidirectional charging ports. The city was also selected as the starting point for the program because of its widespread adoption of photovoltaic technology. According to Electrive, 35% of the rooftops in Utrecht have solar panel systems. This made for the perfect match with bidirectional charging.
"The Netherlands has the highest solar density per capita," Berg noted. "It would be a shame not to tap into this potential."
Installing home solar panels can increase the savings of owning or leasing an EV by reducing charging costs. EnergySage is a TCD-vetted source for solar quotes that can help you get the most bang for your buck.
If fully realized, bidirectional charging networks will be capable of promoting the use of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and enhancing grid stability. Not only can this help the environment, but it may offer relief to bank accounts as well.
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
|
Would you be more likely to get an EV if it helped cut your energy costs? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Big time 👍 According to a news release from Transportation & Environment, vehicle-to-grid technology may be able to save EU energy systems over $30 billion a year by 2040. Fabian Sperka, vehicles policy manager with T&E, emphasized the potential benefits.
"Electric vehicles have put road transport on the path to decarbonization, but they have more economic benefits yet to be realized," Sperka said. "Bidirectional charging will offer batteries on wheels for free, reducing the need to build energy storage for excess wind and solar power."
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
