CSIRO and Essential Energy have shown that electric vehicles (EVs) can act as mobile home batteries. The project tested vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology using the common CCS2 charging plug in Australia. EVs were able to store energy from rooftop solar panels and return it to the electricity grid at peak times.
The research took place in a home-like simulator at Essential Energy’s Innovation Hub in Port Macquarie. Two types of EVs were tested. A Nissan Leaf used a CHAdeMO bidirectional charger. A Ford F150 Lightning used an upgraded CCS2 bidirectional charger. Both EVs successfully shared energy with the simulated household and the grid.
Dr Sam Behrens, Project Leader, said the demonstration shows how EVs can support renewable energy and improve grid stability. The trial proved that commonly available EVs can become “batteries on wheels,” helping households use more solar energy and supply power when it is needed most.
The laboratory setup allowed researchers to test different energy scenarios. They simulated household electricity use, seasonal changes, and solar power production. This provided insight into how V2G could work in real homes.
Kate Cavanagh, a CSIRO researcher, said the project is helping the energy sector prepare for wider adoption of V2G. The lab is already being used by industry to develop new products that integrate EVs into home energy systems.
CSIRO and Essential Energy plan to expand the project. They aim to test more advanced automation, communication standards, and control systems. These improvements could make V2G more practical and flexible for everyday households.
As more Australians adopt EVs, V2G technology could provide extra energy storage for the grid. EVs could help households, communities, and electricity networks use renewable energy more efficiently.
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