The study, led by researchers at the University of Michigan and published in Nature Energy, examines vehicle-to-home charging (V2H). V2H uses an EV battery to power home appliances, allowing owners to store electricity when it is cheap or clean and use it later. The team modelled a representative mid-sized SUV and analysed regional differences across the contiguous United States.
Researchers estimate that V2H could cut charging costs by a large share over a vehicle lifetime and could substantially reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from household electricity use. In some regions, V2H more than offsets the emissions associated with driving.
Results depend on local electricity prices, grid emissions and housing characteristics. The authors note the control software is still at an early stage in the US, though pilots with utilities are under way and teams are working on optimization, battery life and automation.
Difficult words
- vehicle-to-home charging — Using an electric car battery to power a house.
- lifecycle — All stages of a product over time.
- offset — Reduce or balance the effect of something.offsets
- optimization — Improving a system to get best results.
- automation — Using machines or software to do tasks.
- contiguous — Connected in one area without gaps or breaks.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you consider using an electric vehicle with V2H for your home? Why or why not?
- How might housing characteristics change the benefits of V2H in your area?
- What concerns would you have about battery life and automation before using V2H?
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