China’s Electric Vehicle Network Expansion Trials: Nine Cities in Shanghai to List Electric Vehicles as “Power Storage Units”
On April 2, 2025, at 10:37 AM, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released a document outlining the implementation of trial projects for the “Vehicle-to-Grid” (V2G) initiative in Shanghai and nine other cities, featuring 30 trial objectives.
The V2G technology allows electric vehicles to interact with the power grid, enabling the exchange of energy and information. Simply put, it allows electric vehicles to act as “power storage units.” This means that electric cars can not only draw energy from the grid but also return energy stored in their batteries back to the grid during peak demand periods, thereby assisting in load balancing and enhancing service capabilities.
For example, in Shanghai, the proposed trial projects include “Establishing a Unified Testing Platform for Electric Vehicle Networks” and “V2G Charging Station Construction Projects”. V2G refers to the technology that facilitates the interaction between vehicles and the electric grid.
By leveraging V2G, electric vehicles can contribute to grid stability by supplying stored energy during peak times, thus creating a “virtual power plant” effect. During specific hours, such as at night when electricity demand is lower, electric vehicles can provide energy back to the grid, thereby aiding in load management and enhancing service reliability.
In the trial projects, the NDRC aims to incentivize electric vehicle participation in the electricity market. This initiative will enhance the overall efficiency of electric vehicle energy consumption and contribute to the goal of achieving a more sustainable energy system.
As of March 29, 2025, the NDRC highlighted that the V2G initiative would enhance the efficiency of electric vehicle charging and discharging, integrating renewable energy sources into the grid more effectively. This system is expected to support the growth of electric vehicle technology across the nation.
The trials will also serve as a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of these systems, with outcomes set to be reported to the NDRC by the end of 2025.
Moreover, the document emphasizes that power grid companies must establish supportive measures for the trial projects to ensure stable and reliable energy supply. The goal is to create a robust framework that can facilitate the widespread adoption of V2G technology.
In conclusion, the implementation of these trials is a significant step toward integrating electric vehicles into China’s energy landscape, enhancing both grid stability and electric vehicle performance.
