As the world transitions towards cleaner energy, there is a rising demand for grid services that can be provided by electric vehicles (EVs).

According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), EVs are cleaner alternatives to conventional vehicles and their role in the energy transition extends beyond cutting direct emissions, underlining their crucial importance.

The report states that If policymakers want to minimize the cost of grid reinforcements, smart electrification strategies are considered essential.

“Cars are designed to transport people, yet they remain idle for the majority of their lifespan, parked near our homes or workplaces. According to most studies, cars spend between 90 and 95 per cent of their time unused. If these cars were electric, they would have the potential to add great additional value to their owners and the environment when they are connected to the power grid.” the report states.

It further states that using smart charging through unidirectional charging or V1G, EVs can be charged when electricity is at its cheapest or when the supply of renewable energy is high, hence, connected vehicles can benefit from plentiful solar energy at midday or cheap energy at night.

IRENA said with Bidirectional charging or V2G, the batteries of connected vehicles can benefit from unidirectional charging but the grid can also draw power from them at times of high demand.

“Smart charging helps manage the demand for electricity; charging batteries when clean electricity production is high and discharging them, in the case of V2G, at times of low wind or PV production. In this way, the EV fleet acts as a giant battery to store and supply renewable energy.” the agency said.