V2G Technology Explained: How Electric Vehicles Are Powering the Grid
The electric vehicle market has seen incredible growth over the past few years. In 2021, EV sales doubled their 2020 numbers. The following year then saw an additional 60% growth over 2021. The rapid growth continued into the following year, as the market saw another 35% growth rate. Customers are increasingly seizing the opportunity to buy cars that contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce their dependence on gasoline.
As electric vehicle production expands, employment opportunities are expected to grow across areas like manufacturing, maintenance, and research — particularly for those with automotive or electrical experience.
Let's take a closer look at some of the technology that has helped enhance the benefits of these vehicles and why they make EV Technician roles even more desirable.
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology?
For sustainable technology, one of the most significant challenges that needed to be overcome was the capacity for storing energy when it was not actively being used. For example, solar energy might produce ample energy during a bright sunny day, but it needs a means of storing the energy for usage at night. Without this capacity, the practical applications would be severely limited, and people generally had to rely on a hybrid of solar and traditional power sources.
With vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, electric vehicles can store energy and send it back to either the grid or a building. This presents game-changing opportunities for sustainable energy because it opens the door for significantly improved usage.
With this technology, sustainable energy producers now have the capacity to manage sources of energy that fluctuate depending on external circumstances, such as wind and sunlight. Rather than allowing the extra energy to go to waste, it will now be used whenever the demand calls for it.
With the ability to store energy and send it back to the source, the power systems can reduce the stress on the grid during times of peak demand. Rather than placing stress on the system, the electric grid will have additional sources of energy and better stability, equipping it to be able to handle the increased demand instead of outages or shifting to traditional power sources.
The Benefits of V2G
As you likely see, the benefits of storing energy produced from sustainable energy sources and then sending that power back to the source can have far-reaching benefits for people at all points of the sustainable energy production process.
For people who own electric vehicles, the benefits take on a very practical role. If they experience a power outage due to high demand or a storm that disrupts their ability to tap into the typical energy grid, they can use their EV battery to discharge power back into their house, powering basic appliances like lights or the refrigerator. This helps improve their quality of life. Some companies may also offer deals that allow those with sustainable energy capacity to sell power back to the power company, which can help EV battery owners earn discounts on their power bills or even earn some compensation.
Utility providers will also quickly be able to tap into the benefits of EV battery storage and vehicle-to-grid technology. Companies want to ensure that they provide consistent and stable power for their customers. With storage and the ability to discharge power from the EV battery back to the electric grid, utility workers will boost the stability of their electricity delivery and improve their customer service.
The examples you will see of these benefits will be far-reaching. People will keep their lights on because of fewer outages. Less stress on the electrical system will improve customer service and prevent service loss.
This technology also improves the potential for green energy sources. As the batteries improve the ability to navigate the ups and downs of production from sustainable sources, the potential for their usage will only increase and make it more effective and affordable for consumers. Grids will be able to rely more steadily on sustainable energy production overall, which will help with the shift towards greener energy sources.
Opportunities as an EV Technician
As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, so too will the need for skilled EV technicians. These professionals play a crucial role in supporting the growing network of EVs - from performing routine maintenance to troubleshooting and ensuring long-term performance.
One area of particular growth is in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, which allow EVs to feed energy back into the grid. As more owners explore these capabilities, technicians will be needed to install, configure, and maintain the technology that makes this possible.
For individuals seeking a career with long-term growth potential, becoming an EV technician offers the chance to work at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry - one that merges clean energy, transportation, and smart infrastructure.
Get Started as an EV Technician Today
As new professionals look for ways to build a steady, reliable career in a positive field, earning a certificate as an EV Technician is an excellent path to take. Learn more about this exciting field and how technicians can help with the transition to sustainable energy and benefit their communities while still working in a field that will provide tremendous opportunities. If you’d like to learn more, speak to a George Brown College Program Coordinator today by toll-free phone at 1-888-553-5333 or email at [email protected].