Context:
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay have partnered on a pilot initiative to test the feasibility of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Kerala. This project could pave the way for Electric Vehicles (EVs) to play a transformative role in grid management and renewable energy integration.
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology?
V2G is a technology that allows electric vehicle batteries to discharge electricity back into the grid when the vehicle is idle. Key functions of V2G include:
- Bidirectional energy flow: EVs can both draw power from the grid (G2V – Grid to Vehicle) and send power back (V2G).
- Distributed energy storage: EVs act as mobile energy storage units that can support grid stability.
- Smart energy management: Helps in managing peak load, demand response, and renewable energy integration.
Other use cases like Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) also exist, but V2G remains the most commercially and technically pursued application.
How is V2G Used Globally?
V2G is actively deployed in advanced EV markets such as Europe and the U.S., where:
- EV owners are financially incentivized to send power back to the grid during peak demand.
- In countries like the U.K. and The Netherlands, EVs support the grid during high demand by supplying surplus battery power.
- California’s electricity market encourages EV users to participate in ancillary services, enhancing grid resilience amid renewable energy fluctuations.
- With rising climate-related disasters, EVs also serve as backup power sources in emergencies.
These examples showcase how V2G enhances both grid reliability and sustainability.
What’s the Current Scenario in India?
India is at an early stage of V2G adoption:
- Focus is still on EV charging infrastructure, not bidirectional energy flow.
- A few DISCOMs (distribution companies) have initiated pilot smart charging and V2G experiments.
- The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is drafting reverse charging guidelines, promoting bidirectional capabilities.
Challenges:
- The current electricity market structure is not conducive to decentralized energy sharing.
- Grid variability, RE integration mismatches, and a lack of regulatory support are key barriers.
To enable full-scale V2G in India, regulatory reforms, tariff mechanisms, and smart grid investments are essential.
Details of the KSEB-IIT Bombay V2G Pilot Project
Kerala is witnessing fast EV adoption and rapid growth in rooftop solar. However, the State faces:
- Surge in evening peak demand due to EV charging needs.
- Mismatch between solar generation (daytime) and high grid demand (evening).
The KSEB-IIT Bombay project aims to:
- Assess EV potential to support Kerala’s power grid during peak hours.
- Explore how EV batteries can offset evening demand when solar power is unavailable.
- Build a foundation for V2G infrastructure in the State’s distribution system.
The Kerala V2G pilot is a pioneering move in India’s journey toward smart, decentralized energy systems. While challenges persist, strategic collaborations like KSEB-IIT Bombay can set the stage for grid-interactive electric mobility, helping the country meet its renewable and sustainability goals.
