Communication Delays
The Problem: The eventual transition to greener, renewable sources of power will create a cleaner safer environment. Yet, due to the intermittent nature of solar or wind generated electricity, integration with our existing infrastructure will prove challenging. To be a reliable service. Plug in electric vehicles (PEV's) must have the ability to respond almost immediately to market signals. Even brief delays can disrupt frequency regulation performance. This can ultimately cause problems with balancing energy supply and demand needs.
The Solution: Vehicle-to-grid technology has the ability to offset weather related lulls in energy availability. V2G’s bidirectional power flow can balance supply and demand needs by discharging power back to the grid when needed most. Reductions in power fluctuations will create a more stable and reliable electricity infrastructure.
Privacy Issues
The Problem: In order to discharge electricity back to the grid and credit EV owners for usage, V2G requires authenticating the EV and owners credentials. While no one disputes the necessity of this process, legitimate concerns over consumer privacy have been a hot topic. Continual access to users personal data and exact whereabouts present possible security threats. A cyber attack or breach of any kind could cause irreparable harm.
The Solution: The answer lies in the development of an authentication system that maintains the EV owners confidentiality and anonymity. Thus far, little has been done to remedy privacy concerns. A key factor in V2G viability will be overcoming this obstacle. Earning consumer trust is essential to vehicle to grid successes.
Battery Degradation
The Problem: An EV battery is designed to last the entire life of your vehicle. The estimated EV battery life is still 12 - 15 years per the U.S. Department of Energy. This estimate is based on moderate climate conditions. It's important to be aware, EV owners in colder regions may experience faster battery degradation. Yet, regardless of where you live, these power storage units are all prone to capacity depreciation over time. This has a direct impact on EV range and performance. Vehicle to grid usage can further deplete storage capacity. Unlike standard EV's, V2G batteries require both charging and discharging cycles. This extra work can cause your battery to degrade faster resulting in a shorter lifespan. This is especially important when you consider the cost of an electric vehicle's battery can be as much as 40% of the total purchase price.
The Solution: As mentioned earlier, new higher capacity batteries and EV technology advancements promise to increase performance. That said, electric vehicle owners can also do their part to slow the depreciation process. Experts state keeping your EV battery charged between 20% and 80%. will help increase its lifespan. While battery degradation will continue to be a concern, careful charging practices and evolving technology will help reduce battery degradation.
High Price of Electric Vehicles
The Problem: The cost of purchasing an EV has dropped considerably, Yet, sticker prices on gas powered vehicles are still lower. While upfront numbers may not always tell the whole story, laying more money down during tough economic times is a tough sell. This is especially true to the millions who still see an aura of mystery surrounding electric vehicles.
The Solution: Regardless of V2G capabilities, there are already some great incentives to purchase an electric vehicle. Government rebates of up to $7500 are available for purchases of all EV models built in 2023 or later. In addition, Consumer Reports estimates these vehicles cost up to 60% less to fuel than gas powered cars. Furthermore, a number of electric companies have introduced lower rates or even free electricity for charging V2G vehicles at night during off peak hours. Putting cash back in consumers pockets creates a win, win situation. EV batteries with V2G can even serve as back up power for the homes during blackouts or emergencies.
Political Challenges to Electric Vehicles & V2G
The Problem: Party lines have long divided the political landscape of electric vehicles. During the remainder of the 2024 presidential champagne, EV's will be a hot topic for debate. Speaking recently at an event in Toledo Ohio, Donald Trump called the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles a “radical plan” that could ruin the auto industry. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) said “President Biden’s EV mandate is completely delusional. It’s foolish. It’s just plain wrong,” even some Democrats are even taking side with Republicans against this aggressive initiative. Much of the debate stems around the notion that this current plan as it stands, would hurt US auto makers while benefiting Chinese manufacturers. Regardless of the final outcome, the future of electric vehicle production is liable to remain in gridlock for the foreseeable future.
The Solution: For true progress to be made, Republicans must put aside their philosophical differences and focus on what is right for the country's future energy needs. In an effort to find some middle ground, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, recommends the existing plan be amended to disqualify EVs made with Chinese components from receiving tax credits. The proposal is meant to appease both sides of the political fence while still making positive progress. Our hope here is for more open, mindful conversations to take place in the future. A collaborative effort may result in Blue and Red finally combining to make Green!