Tesla going V2G

Tesla Model 3 and possibly Model Y cars are being prepared for bidirectional charging.

A study shows EV fleets could save billions of dollars with controllable load and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) features, and it would enable the grid to optimise its use of renewable energy, Electrek reports.

The ability to control load when an EV is charging is possible with any EV provided it is connected to a smart charging station or the vehicle itself has an internet connection, it says.

That can help reduce peak demand and provide charging only when demand is lower (and prices possibly cheaper), but the study shows V2G technology would have an even greater impact.

Bidirectional charging is offered by Nissan in its new Leaf, but Tesla hasn’t really talked about it before.

Tesla reckons V2G benefits can be recognised more efficiently when EV deployment is at scale.

Customer participation is also likely to be key.

Tesla says there is the chance to evaluate stationary storage assets first to provide similar grid services capabilities from a wholesale electricity market perspective.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has said it could “revisit” V2G technology.

Electrek says it has learned Tesla has already prepared its onboard vehicle charger for bidirectional charging, saying it has “massive implications”, including powering a house and providing grid services.

It adds Tesla already has the capacity to do that with its Autobidder product operating with virtual power plants comprising Powerwalls in Australia and Vermont.