Companies are invited to take part in a trial of new, next-generation vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric vehicle workplace charging technology which could lower carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.

The V2VNY project aims to demonstrate, test and refine V2G technology

The project, which has a few spaces remaining, is open to businesses looking to demonstrate leadership in sustainability – and participants will be provided with a free V2G EV charger which can be kept after the end of the project.

V2G technology enables EVs to be charged at times when electricity costs are low, and then put energy back into the grid, or into a building or even another EV, when electricity costs are higher.

The V2VNY project aims to demonstrate, test and refine V2G technology, pushing the boundaries of charging technology and paving the way for its broader adoption.

The project is being led by Hangar 19, in partnership with EV leasing firm DriveElectric and CrowdCharge, which specialises in AI-powered technology with patented optimisation tools that helps to unlock maximum value from V2X services across individual vehicles to fleets and workplace ecosystems.

Other project partners are Grid Beyond, Oxfordshire County Council, Electric Corby and JLR, which will provide prototype electric vehicles for use in the trial.

The project is one of the first V2G trials in the UK to use AC charging with the latest generation of EVs featuring ‘vehicle-to-load’ (V2L) technology; most previous V2G trials used Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles with CHAdeMO DC charging technology.

Trial participants need at least two electric vehicles on their fleet which feature V2L technology, either from Genesis, Hyundai, Kia or MG.

Participants will be provided with a free 7kW AC bidirectional charger with two sockets and a software package to optimise the charging, worth in total over £5,750. Participants can keep the charger after the trial but will have to pay for the installation of the charger and for continued use of the software after the end of the trial.

Mike Potter, CEO of CrowdCharge and DriveElectric, said: “The UK has a huge and largely untapped battery storage capability in the form of over one million electric vehicles that spend most of their time parked up. Using this resource can help reduce the load on electricity networks at peak times, as well as lowering costs and carbon. This project will trial how the latest EVs can be used as mini power plants to benefit businesses, electricity operators and the country as a whole.”

The V2VNY Phase 2 project, part of the V2X Innovation Programme, is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), delivered by Innovate-UK. The V2X Innovation Programme is part of the up to £65m Flexibility Innovation Programme, funded from the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

The V2VNY trial starts in September 2024 and will run through to the end of March 2025. Most chargers are allocated but the last remaining few are available to companies that apply quickly.

For more details and to check eligibility for the trial, please visit this link.