Vehicle to Grid and Crisis Management - Potential of V2G for Smart City Power Grids in Norway

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners alike have discussed Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology for quite some time, and we have extensive coverage of the technology needed, as well as opportunities, challenges, algorithms, and business models. However, few studies have examined V2G from a crisis management perspective. This paper presents a review of the current V2G literature. It gives an overview of the possibilities for using electric cars as a backup power supply in case of emergencies, such as citywide power outages. We calculate the potential power available in a typical Norwegian mid-sized city and examine to what extent this can be part of crisis management in case of a massive power outage. We then review existing business model literature to analyze possible incentives for people to make their cars available for V2G. Finally, we conclude by pointing out several technical and social issues that need to be addressed for V2G to become a viable option and suggest vehicle-to-home (V2H) as the most likely scenario in the short to mid-term.