Electric vehicle batteries may be the key to optimizing energy storage.

Guishi Automotive News: According to foreign media reports, a new study has found that future electric vehicle batteries could be used to optimize electricity storage—injecting power into the grid during periods of shortage or storing excess energy when supply exceeds demand.

Using renewable energy is crucial for mitigating global warming. However, concerns have arisen about meeting electricity demand due to the need for rapid scaling up and the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. Enhancing the grid's storage capacity has emerged as a viable solution—ensuring that power supply remains uninterrupted even when solar or wind resources are unavailable. A recently published study reveals that, during periods of rising electricity demand or declining supply, electric vehicle batteries can help bolster short-term grid storage through innovative "vehicle-to-grid" or "second-life usage" initiatives. The research report highlights, "This approach will have a transformative impact on the energy transition."
Through the "vehicle-to-grid" approach, drivers can connect their vehicle batteries to the power grid when needed for short-term storage. For instance, commercial fleets can inject electricity into the grid while their vehicles are idle. Additionally, there’s a "second-life" program, which involves selling or donating batteries once they’re no longer capable of powering vehicles—typically when their capacity drops below 70–80%.
Researchers believe that even low levels of driver participation could have a significant impact. Chengjian Xu, co-author of the study and from Leiden University in the Netherlands, stated: "To meet global short-term grid storage needs, at least a 12-43% participation rate would be required." According to conservative estimates, "as early as 2030, electric vehicle batteries alone could satisfy most regions' short-term grid storage demands." Furthermore, according to plans by the International Renewable Energy Agency, by 2050, the storage capacity provided by electric vehicle batteries will not only be sufficient but will exceed the need to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
This study analyzed global data, including information from key electric vehicle battery markets in China, India, the European Union, and the United States. It took into account average driving distances, driver behaviors, and temperature conditions—all factors that could influence the health of automotive batteries. Researchers emphasized that governments should introduce incentives and regulations to ensure the successful launch of "vehicle-to-grid" and second-life battery programs—for instance, by implementing market measures such as offering small payments for grid services. Chengjian also noted that utilizing "vehicle-to-grid" technology poses no significant harm to battery longevity.
Modern and Renault have already begun testing cars equipped with "vehicle-to-grid" technology, while some Tesla vehicles are already compatible with it. According to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric vehicle sales are expected to reach around 200 million units by 2030—accounting for roughly 20% of total car sales, an 11-fold increase compared to current levels. IEA analyst Luis Lopez noted that using vehicle batteries for short-term energy storage "holds great promise—but it’s not a silver bullet," since, under the 2050 net-zero emissions scenario, this approach could provide less than 1% of the storage capacity needed.
Additionally, proper "communication" is also needed between the power system and electric vehicles. "If the power system, electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure all speak the same language, it will become easier to aggregate more vehicles, thereby better meeting the demands of the power system." (This article is from Gasgoo.com.)

Translated from Sina Auto

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