UK Eyes Incentives for EV 'Vehicle to Grid' Technology
Britain may offer automakers incentives to build cars that can sell stored electricity back to the grid, as part of a ZEV mandate review.
The UK government is weighing financial incentives for carmakers that equip electric vehicles with technology allowing them to function as mobile power sources, according to plans under consideration by ministers. The initiative centers on so-called vehicle-to-grid, or V2G, technology, which would be folded into a broader review of the country's zero-emission vehicle mandate.
V2G systems allow EV owners to charge their batteries automatically during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower, then feed surplus power back into the national grid during periods of elevated demand. Proponents describe the capability as turning electric cars into "power plants on wheels," a framing that ministers appear to have embraced as they assess the policy's potential.
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The review of the ZEV mandate provides the policy vehicle for any such move. By tying V2G incentives to that existing regulatory framework, the government could steer manufacturers toward the technology without introducing standalone legislation, potentially accelerating adoption across model lines.
Britain's automotive sector has been navigating significant pressure to electrify its fleets while managing the cost burden of compliance. Offering manufacturers tangible benefits for adding V2G capability could serve a dual purpose: supporting domestic industry competitiveness while simultaneously bolstering grid resilience as renewable energy generation grows more intermittent.
No final decisions have been announced, and the plans remain under consideration. Continue reading at Business | The Guardian.
