Vehicle to Grid Demand Response (V2G-DR)

Lead Proponent

Blackstone Energy Services Inc.

Project Background

The objective of this project was to demonstrate a cost-effective Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system that utilized the stored energy in electric vehicle (EV) batteries during periods of peak electricity demand, in order to provide cost savings to facility operators who incurred high costs for power consumption during these periods.

A total of four V2G charging systems were demonstrated at three locations: Brock University (St Catharines, ON), Fanshawe College (London, ON), and Brampton Civic Hospital (Brampton, ON).

The project developed new software to demonstrate a fully integrated and functioning demand response V2G solution. The demand response (DR) management software interfaced with a mobile app that notified and incentivized participating EV owners to discharge at the V2G chargers during periods of peak electricity demand.

Machine to machine technologies (enabling a sensor or meter to communicate data to the application software that could use it) were leveraged to deliver a secure, fully automated solution.

Results

The anticipated outcome of this project was the increased adoption of EVs and V2G charging infrastructure by demonstrating a solution that provided additional economic benefits to EV owners and cost savings for facility operators.

Benefits of the results included reducing the cost of facility operation during peak-electricity demand events by displacing expensive peak power generation, reducing costs of owning an EV, and, accelerating the deployment of local EV charging infrastructure networks.

Bi-directional V2G charger installed at Brock University, enabling EV batteries to discharge energy back to the grid during peak demand.

Benefits to Canada

The V2G-DR project brings multiple benefits to Canadian taxpayers, supporting environmental, economic, and societal goals. V2G technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing hydrocarbon-based power generation during peak demand events. When EV batteries are charged with renewable energy, they offer a zero-emission alternative to meet peak electricity demand. This project benefits taxpayers by accelerating the growth of local EV charging infrastructure, with V2G chargers doubling as uni-directional chargers. This supports Canada’s transition to cleaner transportation systems. For EV owners, V2G technology enhances the value of EV ownership by allowing them to charge during low-cost off-peak hours and discharge energy during high-cost peak periods, generating revenue to offset operating costs. From a societal perspective, V2G reduces electricity distribution costs and alleviates grid congestion, ultimately lowering power consumption costs. By reducing emissions, lowering electricity costs, and expanding EV infrastructure, this project paves the way for a more sustainable and cost-efficient energy future in Canada.

Next Steps

Blackstone successfully partnered with trusted suppliers to ensure chargers met stringent certification and software requirements and collaborated with host sites to address complex IT network needs. A key takeaway from this process is the importance of fostering strong partnerships and tailoring technical solutions to overcome specific project challenges. Looking ahead, Blackstone plans to monitor the long-term performance of demonstration sites and expand the remote-control capabilities developed during this project to include micro-grid operations and facility demand response systems, reducing energy demand costs for EV charger owners. With EV prices decreasing and automakers increasing their V2G-compatible offerings, the potential for replicating this project continues to grow. Blackstone remains dedicated to integrating V2G solutions into Ontario’s energy infrastructure and advancing demand response technologies.