In Short : Kerala, in collaboration with IIT-Bombay, has launched India’s first field-level Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pilot project. Led by the Kerala State Electricity Board, the initiative enables electric vehicles to both draw power from and supply energy to the grid. This bi-directional energy flow will support peak load management, enhance solar energy use, and improve grid stability across the state.
In Detail : Kerala has launched India’s first field-level Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pilot project in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. The initiative is spearheaded by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and aims to explore how electric vehicles (EVs) can be integrated into the power grid to improve energy management and efficiency.
The pilot will unfold in two phases. The first phase focuses on a comprehensive feasibility study to understand the technical, economic, and regulatory requirements for implementing V2G at scale. This includes examining the readiness of the grid infrastructure, identifying potential EV participants, and evaluating the impact on energy distribution.
The second phase will involve real-world deployment of bi-directional charging infrastructure. During this phase, EVs will be able to draw electricity from the grid during off-peak or solar-rich hours and supply it back during periods of high demand. This process enables EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, supporting the grid dynamically.
Kerala’s V2G project is designed to help stabilize the grid, especially during peak demand times. By utilizing stored energy from EVs, the system can reduce the need for expensive peaking power plants, enhance grid reliability, and contribute to better load balancing. It also enables more effective integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.
The project also holds potential benefits for EV owners, who may be compensated for returning power to the grid. This could create new incentives for EV adoption while supporting India’s broader clean energy and net-zero goals. Such bi-directional systems are already being used in parts of the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and Kerala’s pilot marks a significant step for India.
This initiative could become a model for other Indian states to follow, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of V2G technology. If successful, it may pave the way for wider deployment of smart charging infrastructure and accelerate the country’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient power grid.
