Despite the growth of electromobility in Denmark, the implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) still faces significant structural and regulatory challenges.
According to Nils Dullum, Managing Partner of eMobility Consultants, the country currently has a single, limited project based on the Chademo DC protocol, a technology that has demonstrated the potential of it.
However, it does not yet meet the necessary standards for widespread adoption.
“Actual real V2G deployment is a tall order,” he tells Mobility Portal Europe, referring to the complexities of the large-scale deployment of this technology.
This model is based on allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to interact with the electrical grid by returning energy stored in their batteries.
In Denmark, this functionality was explored through an experimental project with Nissan cars, where aggregation software was integrated to provide primary reserve energy services.
According to the expert, “primarily featured the capacity aggregation platform SW integration,” demonstrating the potential value of these systems for energy services.
What is needed for its implementation in Denmark?
According to Dullum, the involvement of several key players is required, including car manufacturers offering vehicles compatible with protocols such as ISO 15118.
It also includes regulated grid operators, energy distributors, and market agents in the energy services sector.
Furthermore, he emphasises that a clear regulatory framework and fiscal policies that include exemptions or tax adjustments are essential for making this technology economically viable for users.
To this perspective, Ilyas Dogru, a consumer economist and consultant at FDM, adds that Denmark’s national transmission operator, the TSO, is actively driving the development of V2G.
He highlights that, at the recent European Summit on Bidirectional Charging, representatives from the industry and energy sectors agreed on ambitious targets for 2030.
What are they?
“At least 30% of EVs and the corresponding charging infrastructure should support Vehicle-to-X functions,” he mentions to Mobility Portal Europe.
These include harmonised digital infrastructure that allows secure communication between electric vehicles, charging stations, and the grid across all EU member states.
From the consumer perspective, Dogru highlights several critical aspects for the adoption of bidirectional technology.
One of the main points is the impact of fiscal policies.
Currently, in Denmark, electricity used to charge EVs is exempt from taxes.
However, concerns arise over how the return of energy to the grid through V2G will be managed, which could deter users if fiscal terms are not clarified.
“For V2G to succeed, clear rules are needed on how electricity returned to the grid will be accounted for and potentially taxed,” says Dogru.
Not only that.
There are also challenges in terms of guarantees offered by car manufacturers.
The expert explains that consumers may be reluctant to adopt V2G if this practice affects the warranty conditions of their cars.
Manufacturers must ensure that using the batteries for V2G does not lead to greater wear or depreciation, which remains an area of ongoing research.
Gent Grinvalds, Chief Consultant at Drivkraft Danmark, adds to the analysis.
In this regard, he mentions that the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will require, from 2026 onwards, that parking lots be equipped with V2G capabilities where feasible.
This, according to Grinvalds, will also have an impact, potentially facilitating the adoption of this technology across Europe.
In this context, he points out that significant eMobility service providers, such as Spirii and Monta, are developing products that integrate energy storage systems in line with future EU standards.
A factor that could favour the adoption of V2G in Denmark is the high level of digitalisation among its consumers, who are already accustomed to variable electricity contracts.
This allows them to take advantage of fluctuations in electricity prices, which can range from 1 to 7 DKK (Danish Krone) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in a week.
“As V2X technology gains traction, we can anticipate a significant reduction in the cost of V2X chargers,” concludes Grinvalds, opening up possibilities for more users to benefit from the integration of their EVs with the electrical grid.
