Toyota Motor and Pepco collaborate on vehicle-to-grid project

Toyota Motor North America and local energy utility Pepco are pioneering an initiative in the realm of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with their recent collaboration on vehicle-to-grid (V2g) technology. Utilizing the Toyota bZ4X model, this partnership aims to revolutionize how BEVs interact with the energy grid, enabling not just vehicle charging but also allowing vehicles to contribute power back to the grid.

This collaboration centers on harnessing bidirectional power flow technology, which could substantially enhance energy reliability and resilience for consumers. By integrating renewable energy sources more effectively and potentially reducing electricity costs, V2G technology stands to offer significant benefits. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to adapt to the evolving needs of electric vehicle owners, whose charging habits and vehicle usage are critical for the widespread adoption of V2G technology. Currently, nearly 80% of EV owners charge their vehicles at home overnight—times when the demand for energy is at its lowest. Through this technology, these vehicles could actively supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods or during other critical times, such as during severe weather events.

Christopher Yang, Group Vice President of Toyota EV Charging Solutions, highlighted the importance of this technology: “Bidirectional charging is a great way for customers to leverage their electric vehicles in a way that supports the grids and their home electricity ecosystem.”

Maryland is fast becoming a leader in the electric vehicle market, with an ambitious goal to have 300,000 EVs on its roads by 2025. Pepco is aiding this push by installing 250 EV chargers across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Notably, Maryland also led the charge nationally by passing vehicle-to-grid legislation—the Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) Act—which mandates utilities to develop processes for connecting bidirectional chargers.

Tyler Anthony, President and CEO of Pepco Holdings, stated, “V2G is designed to connect with the local energy grid and is part of our roadmap to ensure a successful and equitable energy transition.”

The V2G research is conducted at Pepco’s Watershed Sustainability Center in Rockville, Maryland, focusing on various EV charging and discharging scenarios that could benefit both the grid and consumers. This project not only aids Pepco in gearing up for a surge in EV charging infrastructure but also helps in understanding the infrastructure necessary for interconnecting a significant number of V2G assets. Such preparations are crucial for implementing the DRIVE Act’s requirements and fostering consumer adoption of this transformative technology.