Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) lets energy stored in an EV's battery flow back out to the electricity grid, turning a parked vehicle into a distributed energy resource that can earn revenue or offset costs rather than sitting idle between trips.
How It Works
A conventional charger only draws power from the grid into the vehicle. A V2G-capable charger and vehicle can do both: draw power in when it's cheap or plentiful, and export it back out when the grid needs it or prices are high. The vehicle's battery management system, the charger, and the grid operator or energy supplier all coordinate this exchange, typically built on the bidirectional communication layer introduced in ISO 15118-20.
What It's Used For
Owners or fleet operators enrolled in a V2G programme can earn payment for discharging power back to the grid during periods of high demand, effectively using the vehicle's battery the same way a stationary battery storage system participates in grid services — without needing a separate battery asset.
V2G vs. V2H vs. V2L
| Where power goes | Typical use | |
|---|---|---|
| V2G | Back to the wider electricity grid | Grid services revenue, demand response |
| V2H | Directly into a home's circuits | Backup power, peak-rate avoidance |
| V2L | Directly to a plugged-in device | Tools, camping, emergency backup |
Neutron's Approach
Our megawatt and fleet charging platforms are built with an architecture ready for bidirectional charging as vehicle-side support becomes standard, alongside our own Power Hub and Power Plant stationary storage for sites that want grid services revenue today, independent of vehicle V2G capability.
Does V2G damage an EV's battery?
Modern V2G implementations are designed to manage battery wear through controlled charge/discharge cycling and depth-of-discharge limits, and most vehicle manufacturers that support V2G include it under their standard battery warranty terms. Degradation impact varies by vehicle and usage pattern.
Do I need a special charger for V2G?
Yes. V2G requires a bidirectional charger capable of both drawing power from the grid and exporting it back, plus a vehicle whose battery management system supports bidirectional flow. A standard one-way charger cannot be upgraded to V2G through software alone.
Interested in grid services revenue?
Our stationary storage platforms deliver flexibility revenue today, independent of vehicle V2G support.
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