V2G Technology Might Let You Return Power to the Grid

It seems that some scientists are developing a way to allow an electric car to return power back to the grid.

When the car is in the V2G setting, the battery’s charge goes up or down depending on the needs of the grid operator, which sometimes must store surplus power and other times requires extra power to respond to surges in usage. The ability of the V2G car’s battery to act like a sponge provides a solution for utilities, which pay millions to generating stations that help balance the grid. Kempton estimates the value for utilities could be up to $4,000 a year for the service, part of which could be paid to drivers.

It would be insteresting to put your car into V2G mode and then get a small check from your utility every month. Add this to an ability to connect your solar panels to the grid you could make some extra pocket money by selling power back to the power company.