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Kerala’s electricity board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay have teamed up to test Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.
The goal is to see if Electric Vehicles (EVs) can help support Kerala’s power grid when they’re not being driven.
What is V2G?
V2G means EVs can send electricity back to the grid when not in use.
This turns EVs into mini power storage units.
EVs can either charge (from grid to vehicle - G2V) or discharge (from vehicle to grid - V2G).
It helps in using more renewable energy and managing electricity better during peak demand times.
V2G is the most common form, but there are also:
V2H (Vehicle to Home)
V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle)
Is V2G being applied globally?
Yes, in countries like the UK, Netherlands, and the U.S., V2G is already being used.
EV owners are paid to give power back to the grid during busy hours.
In California, EVs help stabilize the grid and are used in emergencies.
V2G is useful during climate disasters as a backup power source.
What’s the situation in India?
V2G is just starting in India.
Most efforts are focused on building more charging stations.
Some power companies (DISCOMs) are testing smart charging and V2G on a small scale.
India’s electricity market is not yet ready for widespread V2G.
Rules and systems need to change to make V2G work across the country.
What is the KSEB-IIT Bombay project?
Kerala is seeing fast growth in EV use and rooftop solar panels.
More EVs mean higher electricity demand, especially in the evening.
This project will study if EVs can help the grid by supplying power when solar is unavailable.
It’s a step toward smarter energy use and balancing demand in the future.
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