Charging network operator NRG EVgo is leading two pilot projects at the University of California San Diego to study the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

In the first project, EVgo has built a site to assess how owners of DC fast charging sites can use solar generation, battery storage and control systems to mitigate expensive utility demand charges and provide services to the grid.

In the second project, EVgo will operate a fleet of Nissan and Honda EVs equipped with bidirectional charging capability. This initiative builds on an ongoing V2G project at the University of Delaware.

The energy from both projects will feed into UC San Diego’s microgrid, an integrated system that includes solar panels, a fuel cell and energy storage, and generates more than 85 percent of the electricity used on campus.

“Vehicle-to-grid technologies have the potential to reduce the total cost of owning a plug-in vehicle, while enabling higher concentrations of renewable energy on the grid,” said Honda VP Steven Center.

“Nissan is researching ways to integrate the LEAF into homes, buildings and power grids to provide future benefits to customers, businesses and utility companies,” said Nissan’s Ken Srebnik. “With projects such as this, Nissan can gather valuable insights to ensure that our vehicles are ready when similar programs move beyond demonstration and are commercially deployed.”

Source: EVgo