According to Bloomberg, the UK government has offered financial support for the development of bidirectional charging technology for electric vehicles. This technology can turn electric vehicles into backup power sources, helping the UK achieve its climate goals.
On December 20, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK stated in a release that the government has allocated £4.8 million (approximately $6.1 million) to four UK projects for the development of the so-called "vehicle-to-everything" system. The technology allows consumers to charge their cars when electricity prices are lower and then use the stored energy in the vehicle to power home appliances when prices are higher.
Unlike traditional electric vehicle charging systems that only draw power from the grid, bidirectional charging also enables the grid to utilize the stored energy in vehicles. With millions of electric vehicle batteries contributing power, the grid can meet demand during peak periods without relying on fossil fuel power plants.
The UK government's funding comes at a time when the country's industry is continuously urging solutions to address constraints in its energy network. Ministers in the country anticipate a doubling of electricity demand by 2035, driven by increased electrification of road transport and home heating, necessitating more investment in power generation and network upgrades.
Bloomberg's report indicates that the UK government's support for bidirectional charging technology for electric vehicles aims to help the country achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the UK has pledged to stop selling all new non-zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
