Indra, a British smart energy technology business, has announced plans to conduct the world’s largest V2H (vehicle-to-home) trial later this year.

Indra’s pilot data indicates that V2H technology can generate average savings of up to £200 per month on a household energy bill, with higher energy users able to save more

Taking place in the UK, the R&D project will involve more than 500 participants and will draw on Indra’s specialism in domestic bi-directional electric vehicle charging to show the benefits of V2H tech to EV drivers.

While vehicle-to-grid technology exports energy to support the electricity grid, vehicle-to-home uses energy to power a home or business.

Indra’s V2H charger uses its smart charging technology, and is designed to use surplus energy stored in an electric car or van to help power the home, resulting in lower energy bills and reducing energy demand on the grid at peak times. The vehicle is charged when electricity is at its cheapest and energy can then be sent back from the vehicle to the home at peak times.

The battery in the vehicle effectively becomes a battery for the home, supplying power for general use in the same way as the grid. Indra’s V2H charger is also solar compatible, allowing for those with domestic solar panels to incorporate and fully exploit this energy source, maximising the potential for self-sufficient energy consumption

There are many benefits; Indra estimates household savings of up to £200 per month while higher-energy users are able to save more. V2H also helps reduce CO2 emissions, stabilises demand on the grid and supports a more renewable energy future

The trial will collate real-world data for a minimum of 12 months. As a privately funded trial, participants will be asked to contribute towards the cost of the unit and installation, with these payments heavily offset by reduced energy costs during the trial period itself.

EV drivers can register their interest in participating in the trial by completing the form at indra.co.uk/v2h.

Mike Schooling, Indra’s founder and CTO, said: “Connecting the vehicle to the grid is an intelligent use of energy but the ability to draw surplus power from an electric vehicle via V2H technology and use it in the home is a game-changer – and where the biggest savings can be achieved in today’s energy market.

“These trials will give us meaningful real-world data of user behaviours, cost savings, energy performance and scheduling optimisation. It also supports Indra’s bi-directional technology development, giving consumers a truly intelligent smart charging solution that supports a sustainable energy future.”