California could turn parked EVs into one of its largest sources of energy storage – but utilities need to make it a lot easier for EV owners to participate.

A new report from GridLab, Kevala, and Energy and Environmental Economics estimates that enrolling just 10% of California’s projected EVs in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs by 2036 could supply around 9 gigawatts (GW) of power for 12 hours. That’s 108 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of storage, or more than one-third of the state’s long-duration energy storage target for that year, according to the report.

V2G technology allows a compatible EV to send power from its battery back to the grid when demand is high. Drivers can then recharge when electricity is cheaper and more plentiful, such as during periods of strong midday solar generation.

The report, “Unlocking California’s Flexible Load: A Durable Blueprint for Affordability and Reliability,” argues that EVs, home batteries, smart thermostats, water heaters, and commercial buildings could all help California manage electricity demand without relying entirely on new power plants, grid-scale batteries, and expensive grid upgrades.

The equipment is increasingly available. The bigger challenge is that California’s demand flexibility programs have different rules, payment structures, and enrollment requirements across utilities.

“The next generation of grid infrastructure is already sitting in our driveways, homes, and businesses,” said GridLab executive director Ric O’Connell. “The question isn’t whether California has the resources; it’s whether our programs are designed to unlock their full value.”

The report calls for standardized program designs across California, common technical requirements, and payments based on verified grid performance.

Source link