Vehicle-to-grid technology, often called V2G or VTG, enables electric vehicles to store energy and send power back to the electrical grid. Although V2G technology is not yet widespread, analysts predict the market will grow significantly, reaching approximately $46.21 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 47.42% from 2024 to 2033.
As technology advances and the demand for electricity increases—not just from EVs but also from other technologies like artificial intelligence data centers—V2G technology is expected to become standard in EVs and EV charging stations.Here’s what you need to know about V2G and electric vehicles.
What is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology? How Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Is Shaping the Future of Energy
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is transforming how we use and share electricity. It enables electric vehicles (EVs) to not only draw energy from the grid but also return it when it’s needed most—helping stabilize the grid, reduce emissions, and accelerate renewable-energy adoption.
As the demand for electricity surges from EV adoption, data centers, and smart devices, V2G technology is expected to become a core component of tomorrow’s energy systems. Analysts predict the global V2G market will reach $46.21 billion by 2033, growing nearly 47% per year.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology enables bidirectional transfer between electric vehicles and the power grid. Through vehicle-to-grid charging, EVs not only pull energy from the grid but also send power back, acting as dynamic energy storage units.
V2G electric vehicles can reduce energy costs by charging during off-peak hours and discharging stored power when electricity prices are high. They also serve as a backup during power outages, powering homes or businesses when the grid is down.
The transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By storing excess energy and releasing it during peak demand, V2G electric vehicles help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support a cleaner, more resilient energy system.
How V2G Works
V2G relies on bidirectional power transfer—energy can flow both into and out of an EV battery. When both the vehicle and the charger support bidirectional capabilities, electricity can move back to the grid or to a building, creating a dynamic energy-storage network.
To function, three things are required:
A bidirectional-ready EV and charger
A utility program that supports V2G energy exchange
An opt-in host site such as a home, business, or fleet depot
This is part of the broader V2X (vehicle-to-everything) family that also includes V2H (vehicle-to-home) and V2B (vehicle-to-building). These systems help power homes and businesses during outages or peak-demand periods, improving grid resilience and energy efficiency. However, V2G is only possible if: 1) both the EV and the V2G charger/charging station have the necessary technology, 2) the electric utility implements a V2G program, and 3) the station host opts in. Similar to demand response programs, V2G requires compatible equipment and the station host's agreement.
V2H allows EVs to power homes during outages or store renewable energy, while V2B extends this capability to larger commercial structures, supporting energy efficiency and grid stability. EVs such as electric school buses have large batteries, and their storage capacities allow them to be backup power sources. These technologies enhance sustainability by integrating EVs into smart energy systems and connected environments.
The International Standards Organization’s ISO 15118-20:2022 standard outlines the communication messages and sequence requirements for bidirectional power transfer.
EVs as Mobile Energy Storage
EV batteries are among the most efficient forms of energy storage. They can capture renewable energy when it’s abundant—like solar or wind—and discharge it later when demand is high.
In 2020, Nissan demonstrated how energy from a LEAF battery kept a 7-Eleven open during a blackout, proving that stored EV power can keep lights on and registers running. A coordinated fleet of EVs could power stadiums, neighborhoods, or emergency centers during outages.
V2G turns every connected EV into a small, mobile power plant—creating a distributed, flexible energy network.
Smart-Charging Foundations
Before full V2G becomes mainstream, many chargers already use local load-management strategies to balance energy use across multiple stations.
Equal Distribution: Power output is shared evenly among all active chargers.
First-In-First-Served: Each vehicle receives the maximum power allowed, in order of arrival.
These smart-charging methods, featured in Blink’s infrastructure today, pave the way for more advanced bidirectional energy management.
Why V2G Technology Matters
1. Grid Stability & Demand Response
Utilities can tap into stored EV energy during peak demand, reducing the need for new power plants. Combined with energy-management systems like demand response and load shifting, V2G can help prevent blackouts and balance regional power usage.
Electricity demand is rising, and electric utilities maymight struggle to keep up as they expand the grid to meet new requirements. By tapping into the stored power in electric vehicleEV batteries when they are not in use, utility providers can better meet this growing demand. This is especially effective when combined with Energy Management Systems and managed charging strategies like Peak Load Management (also known as Demand Side Management), Demand Response, and load shifting. These systems ensure the electricity grid in a given region can meet peak demand. V2G could play a crucial role in this type of grid management in the future. Learn more about Demand Response and the Blink Network.
2. Renewable-Energy Integration
As renewables replace fossil fuels, storing that energy becomes critical. Increased development in renewable energy production, such as wind and solar, has made these sources cheaper than coal. V2G allows EVs to store excess wind or solar power and release it when renewable generation dips—supporting a cleaner, more balanced grid.
However, switching to solar or wind requires investments in battery storage. With V2G technology, grid regulators and businesses can use EVs for load- balancing services. Imagine charging your EVs with renewable energy and then releasing power back to the grid or powering your building when electricity is more expensive or more likely to come from non-renewable sources. This is possible with electric vehicles and bidirectional EV charging.
3. Emergency Power & Energy Resilience
Because EVs are mobile, they can provide backup power wherever it’s needed. After natural disasters such as Hurricane Beryl, Texas’ power grid experienced outages that affected millions of residents. EVs equipped with V2G or V2H capability could supply temporary power to homes and emergency facilities, complementing or replacing generators. Learn more about EVs and emergency management.
4. Economic & Environmental Benefits
V2G helps EV owners and fleet operators lower costs by charging during off-peak hours and selling electricity back during high-price periods—all while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting decarbonization.
