V2G stands for Vehicle-to-Grid

V2G stands for Vehicle-to-Grid, which is a technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to discharge electricity back to the electric grid when they are not being used. This means that the battery in an EV can be used to store excess energy from the grid during periods of low demand, and then release that energy back to the grid during periods of high demand.
Here's how V2G technology works:

1. Charging: The EV is charged using a standard charging station or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) that is compatible with V2G technology.
2. Discharging: When the EV is not being used, the battery can be discharged back to the grid via the same charging station. This requires a special V2G-enabled charging station that allows bidirectional flow of electricity.
3. Grid services: The electricity that is discharged from the EV can be used to provide grid services such as frequency regulation, load balancing, and voltage support.
4. Compensation: The EV owner is compensated for the energy that is discharged back to the grid, either through a payment system or by receiving credits that can be used to offset the cost of charging the EV.

V2G technology has the potential to provide a range of benefits, including reducing peak demand on the grid, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and providing a new revenue stream for EV owners. However, widespread adoption of V2G technology requires the development of standards and protocols for interoperability between different EV models and charging stations, as well as regulatory changes to support the integration of EVs into the electric grid.

In real life, V2G technology is still in the early stages of development and deployment. However, there are several pilot projects and small-scale commercial deployments of V2G systems around the world.
Here are a few examples of how V2G technology is being used in real life:

1. Nissan Energy Share: Nissan has developed a V2G system called "Nissan Energy Share" that allows owners of its electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, to connect their vehicles to the grid and sell back excess energy to the grid operator. In the UK, the company has partnered with energy supplier OVO Energy to offer a V2G service to customers.
2. University of Delaware: The University of Delaware has been conducting research on V2G technology since 2007, and has built a fleet of V2G-enabled vehicles that are used to provide grid services such as frequency regulation and peak shaving. The university also operates a V2G testing and certification center for manufacturers of EVs and charging equipment.
3. Pacific Gas and Electric: In California, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has launched a pilot project that allows customers with Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 electric vehicles to participate in a V2G program. Participants can earn up to $300 in incentives for allowing PG&E to manage the charging and discharging of their vehicles' batteries.

While V2G technology is still in the early stages of adoption, it has the potential to play an important role in the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid, as well as in providing a new revenue stream for EV owners. As the technology continues to evolve and mature, it is likely that we will see more widespread deployment of V2G systems in the coming years.