Nissan is experimenting with various possibilities of EVs like, harnessing the power from the battery, and pumping the electric back in to the electricity grid, reports The Auto Future.
Known as Vehicle to Grid or V2G, this technology comes as part of Japan’s demand response energy policy, led by the country’s efforts to cut electricity usage.
Through a series of tests in Japan to be conducted till January next year will determine whether Nissan’s Leaf-to-Home charging stations are able convert the power stored in the battery pack into the 100-volt AC used by homes in Japan.
This variation on V2G is called V2H or “Vehicle to Home.”
The testing will be piloted with Nissan’s Leaf’s placed at dealerships, using the power from the car’s battery to run the dealership for up to 3 hours.
If this is established as a feasible method, then the next step will involve development of battery capacity.
For an average US household, three times much power is needed compared to Japan and will therefore render the current battery life of an electric car as good as useless as a back-up power source.
The idea is very likely to grow in popularity. If this technology is thriven, the electric cars would evolve the currently missing components in order to provide a much bigger capacity, thus giving cars more range on their electric motors and batteries.
Right now, many US utility companies are showing interest in a chance to take pressure off the grid during necessary times.
NRG, who is in charge of the eVgo charging station network, are interested in using electric cars to store excess electricity when available and then releasing when needed in order to balance the grid.
Though the required technology may not be fully completed in order to take the idea to a commercial level, many expect it is efficient and financially viable that will take off in the near future.
Sabeena Wahid
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