V2G stands for Vehicle-to-Grid: your electric car not only takes power from the grid, but can also return it. Your car then becomes a kind of battery for the power grid.
It sounds like science fiction, but it’s already technically possible. And in the coming years it will become increasingly common.
How does V2G work?
With normal charging, electricity flows one way: from the grid to your car. With V2G, it can also go the other way: from your car back to the grid.
You need:
– A car that supports V2G (bidirectional charging)
– A bidirectional charging station
– Software that controls when charging and returning is smart
The software looks at:
– When do you need the car?
– How full does the battery need to be?
– What are the current electricity prices?
– How much demand is there on the grid?
Based on that, your car is automatically charged and discharged.
Example day with V2G
Night (2:00 AM):
Electricity is cheap (€0.10/kWh). Your car charges to 90%.
Morning (7:00 AM):
Peak time, electricity is expensive (€0.40/kWh). You drive to work. Battery: 80%.
Afternoon (3:00 PM):
Your car is parked at the office charging plaza. Solar panels produce a lot. Car charges to 95%.
Evening (6:00 PM):
Peak time again. Electricity €0.45/kWh. Your car returns 10 kWh to the grid. You earn: €4.50.
Night (11:00 PM):
You drive home. Battery: 70% – enough for tomorrow.
This way your car helps stabilize the grid and you earn money.
What can you earn?
Estimates vary, but with V2G you could earn:
– €300-800 per year for private use
– €1,000-2,000 per year for intensive use
– Even more with future balancing markets
It depends on:
– How much your car is available for V2G
– How big the battery is
– How great the price differences are
Is it bad for your battery?
A frequently asked question: doesn’t your battery wear out faster from all that charging and discharging?
The answer: it depends.
– Modern batteries can handle 3,000-5,000 cycles
– Smart V2G software only uses the ‘middle’ of the battery (e.g. 20%-80%)
– That’s gentle and extends lifespan
– The earnings often outweigh the depreciation
Research shows that with smart use, V2G has minimal impact on battery life.
What about V2H (Vehicle-to-Home)?
Besides V2G there’s also V2H: Vehicle-to-Home. Then your car returns power to your house instead of the grid.
Very handy if you have solar panels:
– Daytime: charge car with solar power
– Evening: use that power for cooking, washing
– Night: charge with cheap grid power
Your car then becomes a kind of home battery. Much cheaper than a separate home battery (which costs €5,000-10,000).
When can you start with V2G?
V2G is already technically possible, but not yet widely available. You need:
1. A V2G capable car
Now available:
– Nissan Leaf (already since 2018)
– Hyundai Ioniq 5/6
– Kia EV6
– Ford F-150 Lightning
– VW ID models (from 2025)
Most new electric cars will support V2G from 2025-2026.
2. A bidirectional charging station
Brands like Wallbox, Quasar, and Fermata Energy offer them. Costs: €3,000-5,000.
3. The right energy contract
You need a dynamic contract with hourly rates to take advantage of price differences. And in the future possibly special V2G contracts.
4. Software
Software like Stekker that optimally controls when your car charges and returns.
The future of V2G
V2G is now still niche, but in 10 years it will be normal. Why?
For you:
– Earn money with your car
– Use solar panels optimally
– Be independent of the grid
For the grid:
– All those car batteries together are an enormous buffer
– Helps absorb peaks and troughs
– Makes the grid more stable and sustainable
For society:
– Less need for expensive grid reinforcement
– Better use of solar and wind energy
– Lower energy costs for everyone
What does Stekker do with V2G?
Stekker is ready for V2G. Our software can:
– Control bidirectional charging
– Optimize for price, CO2 and grid need
– Ensure your car is ready when you need it
– Maximize earnings from returning power
As soon as you have a V2G capable car and charging station, you can get started with Stekker.
Should you wait?
Don’t have a V2G capable car yet? No problem.
– You can already start with normal smart charging
– That already saves a lot
– When you get a new car, V2G is automatically available
– Your charging station can possibly be upgraded
So don’t wait – every kWh you charge smartly now is one you save on.
Curious about V2G and smart charging? Download the Stekker app and stay informed of the latest developments.
