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V2X at Indra 🔋
Since launching the world's first domestic Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charger in 2018, we've continued to develop technologies that allow EVs to do more than just get you from A to B. In 2022, we launched a large-scale Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) trial involving hundreds of participants, helping us better understand how bidirectional charging can benefit households across the UK.
Bidirectional charging allows electricity to flow both to and from your vehicle, turning your EV battery into a valuable energy storage resource for your home and the wider energy network.
While we do not currently have a market-ready bidirectional charger available, we are continuing to develop and refine our V2X technology. The insights gained from our trials are helping us bring the benefits of bidirectional charging closer to homes across the UK.
What is V2G? 🏭
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) takes bidirectional charging one step further by allowing energy to flow between your vehicle and the electricity grid.
As well as charging your vehicle when electricity prices are lower, V2G technology can export surplus energy from your EV battery back to the grid when demand is higher. In some schemes, drivers may be rewarded for providing this energy.
Benefits of V2G
- Charge your vehicle when electricity is cheaper 💰
- Support a more balanced and resilient electricity grid ⚖️
- Make better use of renewable energy 🌱
- Help reduce carbon emissions 🌍
- Potentially generate additional value from your EV battery 🚗
What is V2H? 🏡
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) allows energy stored in your EV battery to be used in your home when needed.
This means your vehicle can act like a home battery, helping you make better use of your energy and potentially reduce your electricity costs. Instead of drawing all your power from the grid, you can use energy stored in your vehicle to power your home at certain times.
Benefits of V2H
- Charge your vehicle when electricity is cheaper 💰
- Use energy stored in your EV to power your home 🏡
- Reduce reliance on grid electricity during peak periods ⚡
- Support a more efficient use of energy ♻️
- Potentially lower household energy costs 💰
2022-2024 V2H Trial: Key Findings 📊
Trial participants collectively reduced household electricity consumption during peak periods by more than 100 MWh by using energy stored in their EV batteries to power their homes. 📉
Participants reported significant reductions in their energy costs:
- 50% expected annual savings of £400-£799
- 18% expected annual savings of £800-£1,1994
Customers with solar panels were able to store excess solar energy in their vehicle batteries and use it later when needed, helping maximise the value of their renewable energy generation. 🌞
Evidence shows bidirectional charging could help reduce peak demand on the electricity grid while giving drivers more control over how and when they use energy.
The trial provided valuable insight into customer behaviour, energy usage patterns, and the real-world benefits of V2H technology. These findings continue to help shape the future development of Indra's bidirectional charging solutions and support our goal of making smart energy technology accessible to more households.
The Future of Smart Energy
V2H and V2G technologies are helping transform electric vehicles into active participants in the energy system. By enabling energy to move where it's needed most, these technologies can help create a smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable energy future.