Really isn’t that ground braking though, or am i missing something? It’s basically a Tesla Powerwall. Or, if you want, a UPS (uninterruptable power supply, backup for servers), or Octopus Powervault.
As you pointed out, a (very) few EVs already are able to supply back to the grid – i can’t imagine (although i’m not an electchicken) that it’d be hard to do it the other way around. Instead of inverting at the car, invert at the next generation wall charger.
Indeed, wouldn’t there be the option for an “inverter cart”, that you plug your car into which converts it to AC? Of course it wouldn’t be that straight forward, just plug your EV in and have lights in the house, i remember all that requiring extra “stuff” with our solar panels.
That said, i’ll play the party pooper. Even if i had a V2G capable car, i wouldn’t do it. Studies so far (all but a single one) came to the conclusion that, if you don’t severely limit the c-rating/discharge rate, the battery will degrade fast. Of course, only that single positive study gets quoted constantly (the one arguing that V2G somehow improves your battery life, because physics don’t matter). Only if you look into it you notice that their argument is that if you drive your EV, and then discharge the rest into the grid (down to 8%), it’ll reduce fade that can occur if you constantly charge from 50% back up. Another trope is that warranty isn’t impacted, because Nissan allows for V2X in their stipulations. V2X is a communication protocol and has nothing to do with power transfer.
I don’t trust a single thing that tries to trick uneducated (as in, on the topic) people into thinking that a certain “thing” is good for everything and everyone. If you cycle your battery more, you lose capacity (range) faster, that’s an inarguable reality. That’s why, when asked, manufacturers as well as people conducting these trials give you a non-answer if you ask how this affects battery life and more importantly, warranty.
The idea is cool, but if manufacturers don’t allow for V2G in their warranties, then it’s all pointless. And i can’t see manufacturers picking up the tab for people who “make money” with their cars. Which means that after 4 instead of 6 years your range is severely impacted, you’re in for a battery replacement out of pocket. Which, if Tesla is anything to go by, is prolly gonna eat up all the savings you got through V2G, and then some (a lot some).
edit: Snake oil, christ. That’s the term i was looking for.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.