Revolutionary Developments in V2V Technology and Microgrids: A New Era for Energy Storage in Electric Vehicles
On March 7, an innovative test regarding the future of energy concluded successfully at the Zhelimu microgrid supercharging station in Hohhot. The Inner Mongolia branch of Special Electric collaborated with the Nanjing Deruit Special Electric Energy Research Institute to validate the “centralized Vehicle-to-Vehicle” (V2V) charging and discharging technology. This milestone represents a significant breakthrough in China’s electric vehicle technology sector, intertwining vehicle-grid interaction (V2G), microgrid development, and advanced energy storage technologies to establish a multidimensional and deep energy ecosystem.
V2V Technology: Building an Intelligent Energy Ecosystem for Electric Vehicles
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, efficiently utilizing these “mobile energy storage devices” has become a pressing industry challenge. V2V technology, which facilitates charging and discharging between vehicles, offers a promising solution. During the recent test, multiple electric vehicles successfully exchanged power, showcasing their capacity support and flexible energy allocation capabilities.
The essence of V2V technology lies in enabling energy sharing among vehicles. In emergencies, a fully charged vehicle can quickly assist a low-battery vehicle, resolving temporary charging issues. More importantly, this technology allows for charging during off-peak hours and discharging during peak demand, effectively balancing grid loads and enhancing energy efficiency. Test results indicated that among the five participating models, the maximum discharge power of a single vehicle reached 36.4 kW, while three vehicles discharging simultaneously achieved a peak power of 68.59 kW. In just 15 minutes, these vehicles collectively discharged 22.38 kWh, generating a revenue of 33.61 yuan for users. This data not only confirms the feasibility of V2V technology but also highlights its significant potential for commercial use.
Broader Applications of V2V Technology
The applications of V2V technology extend beyond this initial test. With the growing prevalence and intelligence of electric vehicles, energy sharing among them will become increasingly convenient and efficient. For instance, at highway service areas or urban parking lots, vehicles can automatically manage and balance energy through V2V technology, significantly reducing both charging costs and time. Furthermore, V2V can integrate with smart grids and microgrids to optimize energy usage and configuration, supporting the development of a more intelligent and efficient energy ecosystem.
V2G + V2V: Electric Vehicles as Super Nodes in the Energy Ecosystem
V2G technology, which facilitates charging and discharging between vehicles and the grid, serves as a critical link for two-way interaction between EVs and the power grid. V2V technology complements and extends V2G, enriching the modes and scenarios of energy flow. Through V2V, electric vehicles can not only provide power support to the grid when needed but also allow for flexible energy management among vehicles. This two-way interaction enhances grid stability and flexibility while providing additional income sources for electric vehicle owners.
The recent testing demonstrated a close integration of V2V and V2G technologies, showcasing a vision of a more intelligent and efficient energy internet. Electric vehicles are no longer merely transportation tools; they have become integral components of the grid. They can discharge power during peak load times to support the grid and charge during low-demand periods, storing excess electricity. This interaction not only helps balance grid loads and improve energy utilization but also offers substantial financial benefits to electric vehicle users.
Empowering Microgrids with V2V Technology
Microgrids, as critical components of distributed energy systems, exhibit autonomy, flexibility, and reliability. The recent collaboration between V2V technology and microgrid development has further enhanced microgrids’ self-sufficiency and responsiveness. At the Zhelimu microgrid supercharging station, V2V technology enables electric vehicles to provide power support to the microgrid during grid failures or emergencies. This rapid response capability significantly boosts the stability and reliability of microgrids, offering users safer and more dependable electricity services.
In scenarios of natural disasters or emergencies, microgrids can deploy V2V technology for immediate energy dispatch and balance, ensuring the stable operation of critical infrastructure and meeting basic electricity needs for residents. V2V technology not only improves internal energy distribution efficiency and utilization within microgrids but also employs intelligent management mechanisms, allowing electric vehicles to charge during low-demand periods and discharge during high-demand times. This innovative energy management approach enhances economic efficiency and environmental friendliness, laying a foundation for the integration of intelligent transportation and clean energy systems in the power sector.
V2V Technology Paving the Way for Revolutionary Changes in Energy Storage
The successful validation of V2V technology marks another significant achievement for China in the realm of electric vehicle technology and illustrates the vast potential and promising future of vehicle-grid interaction, microgrid development, and energy storage technologies. Through continuous technological innovation and deep industry collaboration, these sectors are working together to establish a smarter, more efficient, and cleaner energy ecosystem.
Looking ahead, as electric vehicles become more widespread and the energy transition deepens, V2V technology will increasingly integrate with vehicle-grid interactions, microgrids, and energy storage technologies, forming a powerful cross-sector innovation force. This innovative strength will significantly enhance energy utilization efficiency, accelerate the energy transition process, and inject strong momentum into high-quality economic development, while also opening new pathways for the storage industry and empowering companies to seize opportunities for leapfrog development.
About the 2025 CIES Energy Storage Conference
The 2025 CIES Energy Storage Conference, co-hosted by the Energy Storage Application Branch of the China Chemical and Physical Power Industry Association, China Energy Storage Network, and Digital Energy Storage Network, will feature academic support from the Expert Committee of the Energy Storage Application Branch. The conference will include various sessions focusing on innovative integrations of intelligent distribution networks with new energy storage systems, collaborations between new power systems and grid dispatch, international energy storage, and more.
Expected attendees include over 60,000 guests and more than 1,000 companies from government agencies, research institutions, power grid companies, energy service providers, and financing institutions. As a leading indicator for promoting the high-quality development of the energy storage industry, the China International Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition (CIES) has facilitated over 500 billion yuan in domestic and international supply chain cooperation since its inception in 2011.
This year’s exhibition will focus on cutting-edge technologies and practices in the energy storage field, providing a platform for government-business communication and exploring new paths for high-quality development in the energy storage industry. It aims to showcase new products, technologies, and services from both domestic and international markets, helping exhibitors expand their brand influence and market reach.
