NRG Energy Partners with University of Delaware to Commercialize EV Storage Technology

NRG Energy, Inc. said that it is partnering with the University of Delaware to commercialize new technology that will enable electric vehicle (EV) owners to sell electric storage services from the batteries of parked EVs to help stabilize the electricity grid.

The partnership, eV2g, is intended to develop technology that will offer a true two-way interface between EVs and the electric grid.

eV2g's technology would allow EV owners to sell battery storage back to the electric grid while the EV is plugged in -- at no risk or inconvenience to daily driving needs. The program will initially help EV fleet managers to get connected with eV2g, then individual EV owners in the future.

Once enrolled and plugged in, eV2g allows EVs to communicate with the grid and lets grid operators take power from connected EVs during peak usage periods. EV owners can schedule in advance any times their vehicles need more charging than usual, as for a unusually long trip, and what minimum level of charge they want to maintain at all times. eV2g collects payment from the grid operator and pays EV owners for making their vehicles available.