Electric vehicles (EVs) could soon play a pivotal role in supporting the energy grid through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, according to a recent report by IDTechEx.
The study highlights the potential for V2G-enabled EVs to transform from simple transportation tools into mobile energy assets that provide power back to the grid, benefiting both grid resilience and EV owners.
V2G technology allows bidirectional energy transfer, enabling EVs to not only charge from the grid but also supply energy back to it when needed. This system is part of a broader movement known as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), which includes capabilities like Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), broadening the utility of EVs across various applications. Popular models like the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID series already offer V2G features, and other models, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, support V2L, allowing drivers to power devices directly from the vehicle.
The IDTechEx report, Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles and Fleets 2025-2035: Markets, Technologies, and Forecasts, benchmarks various V2X-capable models based on capability, discharge rate, and charging standards. It also examines two approaches to V2G: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) systems, each with distinct benefits. DC systems, for example, offer higher discharge rates but require more costly infrastructure, while AC systems are integrated directly within the vehicle.
The adoption of V2G is projected to rise substantially in the coming years. IDTechEx forecasts that by 2028, more than 20% of light-duty EVs in the U.S. will be V2X-capable, up from just 5% in 2023. Heavy-duty vehicles, including buses and freight trucks with predictable usage and downtime, also hold significant V2X potential. This has already seen success in North America, where public school buses are trialing the technology to contribute to the grid.
“The integration of V2G technology has the potential to create a flexible, resilient energy system,” said Shazan Siddiqi, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. “But reaching this vision will require close collaboration between the automotive and energy sectors, from dynamic pricing models to infrastructure investments.”
