(Updated April 2026) Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) enables companies to use their electric vehicles' batteries as flexible energy storage. This can reduce peak loads, optimize self-consumption, and generate additional revenue in the future. However, economic use is currently still limited, as technical standards, regulatory frameworks, and tariff models in Europe are not yet fully developed.
The most important thing in brief
- Electric vehicles can be used as decentralized power storage.
- Potential for reducing peak loads and energy costs
- Especially sensible in combination with photovoltaics
- Technical and regulatory hurdles remain
- Relevant in the short term for pilot projects, with great potential in the long term
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) describes the ability of electric vehicles to not only charge with electricity but also feed it back into the power grid or the company network. This applies to electric passenger cars, Electric Transporter or with Depot charging - e-mobility for commercial vehicles.
This makes electric vehicles mobile energy storage, that can be used flexibly to:
- Store surplus electricity
- To reduce peak loads in operation
- to stabilize the power grid
- the GHG quota to lower the company's
V2G becomes particularly relevant in combination with renewable energies such as photovoltaics, as their electricity production fluctuates.
V2G is interesting for companies because it offers a way to monetize their electric vehicle (EV) fleets by providing grid services, generating revenue through charging and discharging, and potentially reducing energy costs.
Many companies already have:
- own PV systems
- rising electricity consumption
- early or growing EV fleets
This is where V2G comes in: the vehicle batteries can be used as additional storage at the point of consumption be used.
Example:
- Solar power system generates surplus electricity at noon
- Vehicles are being loaded
- Electricity is later used in operation or fed back into the grid
What are the benefits of bidirectional charging?
1. Reduce peak loads
Targeted discharging of vehicle batteries can prevent expensive peak loads.
2. Increase self-consumption
Self-generated electricity (e.g., from PV) can be better utilized.
3. Optimize electricity costs
From a strategic perspective, companies can:
- store cheap electricity
- Avoid or sell expensive electricity
4. Support grid stability
Decentralized storage helps to balance volatile renewable energies.
What prerequisites must be met?
Vehicles with V2G function
Not all electric vehicles are capable of bidirectional charging.
- CHAdeMO Standard: Technically Suitable
- CCS Standard (Europe): currently still limited
Availability is increasing but still limited.
Bidirectional charging infrastructure
The charging stations must also:
- Can transmit electricity in both directions
- communicate with vehicle and energy management system
Energy management system (EMS)
A central EMS is necessary to:
- Control loading and unloading operations
- Prioritizing between vehicles
- to optimize self-consumption
Goal: Smart Charging
Communication standards
Cross-system communication between:
- Vehicle
- Charging infrastructure
- Network operator
- Energy supplier
is a prerequisite.
Relevant Standards:
- ISO 15118-20
- IEC 61851-1
These are currently still under development.
What are the current challenges?
Regulatory uncertainties
- Grid integration not yet fully regulated
- Missing standards for billing and compensation
2. Tariff structures are missing
- How is feed-in electricity compensated?
- How are different power sources balanced?
3. Economic viability still unclear
- Investment costs versus benefits often still not optimal
- Revenue models (e.g., ancillary services) not yet established
When is V2G worthwhile for companies?
V2G is particularly interesting when:
- a larger fleet of electric vehicles is available
- a PV system is operated
- Peak loads are a relevant cost factor
- an energy management system is in place or planned
Especially suitable for:
- Logistics company
- Industries with predictable load profiles
- Companies with high self-consumption
When is V2G not yet useful?
The deployment is currently restricted when:
- few electric vehicles are available
- no suitable charging infrastructure exists
- no PV system or flexibility in consumption exists
- short-term economic efficiency is the focus
Perspective: From Vehicle to Energy Platform
In the long term, V2G can become a central component of an integrated energy system:
- Vehicles as Part of the Energy Infrastructure
- Combination of PV, storage, and flexible loads
- Active participation in the energy market
Prerequisite: clear regulatory frameworks and economic incentives
Conclusion
Vehicle-to-Grid offers companies great potential to make their energy systems more flexible and optimize electricity costs. However, the technology is still in its infancy, especially in Europe.
For companies with a growing e-fleet and their own electricity generation, it is still worthwhile to examine the topic early and plan it strategically.