V2G: The EU’s “unfeasible” solution to blackouts “at the users’ expense”

Bidirectional charging, which allows electric vehicle (EV) batteries to act as intermediate energy storage with a two-way energy flow, has gained prominence in sector debates.

In fact, this system, specifically Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), was one of the central topics during Power2Drive, one of Europe’s most important electromobility fairs.

The truth is that this technology is presented as a possible solution to prepare electricity grids for the future and growing energy demand from EVs, contributing to greater grid stability and capacity.

However, in a conversation with Mobility Portal Europe, an anonymous source expresses skepticism about the viability of bidirectional charging, stating that it is “a buzzword” and not a definitive solution, “either now or in the future.”

Why is it not viable? According to the source, users are not willing to bear the associated costs:

“People, when buying a vehicle, are faced with the decision of whether or not to include the bidirectional charging function. This feature implies an additional cost that the average consumer refuses to pay.”

Furthermore, the source points out that no one would be willing to pay more for “a function that accelerates the degradation of the car’s battery.”

“It makes no sense to invest in an expensive EV and then give the battery away for other domestic uses.”

The profitability of the investment is also questioned.

“If a person invests thousands of additional euros in a car with bidirectional capability, in a specific charger, and in photovoltaic panels, the final savings and the time needed to recover the investment do not justify the initial outlay,” the source acknowledges.

So, why does the European Commission promote V2G?

“Energy providers seek to prevent blackouts, a problem that entails large economic costs. The European Commission, aware of this, is interested in creating a large ‘virtual fleet’ that culminates in virtual load management at the expense of the end customer,” explains the source.

This situation would occur because people’s vehicle batteries would degrade faster, and the infrastructure investment costs would fall on the user.

In conclusion, the source considers that the goal is “to transfer the costs of stabilizing the electricity grid to the end customer, instead of them being assumed by the European Commission.”

What are the challenges for V2G adoption?

According to the company go-e, the deployment of bidirectional charging comes with a range of challenges.

Some of them may be overcome in the near term:

Vehicle availability

The number of EVs equipped with DC bidirectional charging is steadily increasing.

However, as the ISO 15118 standard for AC systems has not yet been finalised, manufacturers cannot officially claim compliance.

Regulatory bodies and standardisation organisations must still make significant progress to enable widespread deployment.

Charging infrastructure

Currently, DC chargers are more expensive due to their advanced technology and the need for specialised components such as high-capacity power electronics.

Nonetheless, as production scales and technology advances, prices are expected to decrease.

On the other hand, AC-based systems are more affordable upfront but are often slower and less efficient, which could make them less appealing to users with high energy demands.

Battery lifespan concerns

A common concern regarding bidirectional charging is its potential impact on battery longevity.

Ongoing research into long-term battery health, along with clear warranty policies from manufacturers, will be key to easing these fears.

Other obstacles will require a longer timeframe and cross-sector coordination to address:

Grid integration

V2G technology allows EVs to return power to the grid when needed, supporting supply-demand balance.

While this flexibility can strengthen energy systems, it also demands precise management: uncontrolled power injection —similar to solar oversupply— could destabilise the grid.

Therefore, robust guidelines are needed to define when and how energy can be fed back into the system.

Gaps in regulation and standardisation

Although initiatives are underway to create a universal and non-discriminatory framework for bidirectional charging, regulatory and technical standards —particularly for AC systems— remain under development, with DC solutions seeing faster progress.

Diverging data protection laws across countries could complicate matters for global technology providers.

EV and wallbox manufacturers may face hurdles in complying with various legal frameworks, leading to higher operating costs due to legal consultancy or product adaptations.

Additionally, stringent privacy laws in certain regions might hinder the sharing of crucial information, such as real-time energy consumption or user data, across borders.

Business models and incentives

For bidirectional charging to gain traction, financial and operational benefits must outweigh its complexities.

While the concept of buying and reselling energy sounds compelling, pricing discrepancies can discourage participation —for instance, paying €0.80/kWh to charge at a public station and selling back to the grid at €0.40/kWh.

Fair compensation schemes and transparent pricing structures are necessary to attract users.

If the perceived value —lower bills and revenue from energy sales— exceeds the burden of installation and regulation, uptake is more likely.

Tax implications

Selling energy back to the grid introduces new fiscal considerations.

Double taxation —paying when buying and again when selling— must be avoided.

A clear legal framework should ensure that temporarily stored electricity is exempt from duties, tariffs, or additional levies.

Electricity should only be taxed at the point of final consumption.

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