Key facts
- UK government considering incentives for carmakers to add V2G technology to EVs.
- V2G technology allows EVs to act as 'power plants on wheels' by sending electricity back to the grid or homes.
- Incentives could allow carmakers to sell more petrol cars by earning credits for V2G-equipped EVs.
- Environmental groups warn this could increase carbon emissions and allow carmakers to miss EV sales targets.
- V2G technology could provide 1.2 GW of power on demand by 2030, according to the National Energy System Operator.
The UK government is exploring incentives for car manufacturers to integrate vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology into electric vehicles as part of a review of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This technology allows EVs to send electricity back to the grid or power homes, which could help balance the grid when renewable energy generation is low. Ministers are considering awarding credits to manufacturers for fitting V2G technology, which could allow them to sell more petrol cars and potentially miss ZEV targets. Environmental groups and industry representatives have raised concerns about the cost and practical application of V2G technology for consumers, and the potential for increased carbon emissions.