Canada tests its first V2G for medium and heavy-duty EVs

Source: | · SMART ENERGY INTERNATIONAL · | December 19, 2023

BC Hydro has announced the first vehicle to grid (V2G) pilot project in Canada for medium and heavy-duty vehicles that will enable electricity to be pushed back to the grid from the battery of EVs.

The British Columbian electric services company’s bidirectional charging trial project will include medium-sized vehicles such as buses, and heavy-duty vehicles like transport trucks, marking the first of its kind in the province and the country.

According to BC Hydro in a release, compared to other backup generation, these medium-sized vehicles can be mobilised much faster than traditional sources like diesel generators and they are far cleaner.

“The average car is parked 95% of the time, and with the evolution of technology solutions like vehicle to grid, stationary vehicles hold the potential to become mobile batteries, powered by clean and affordable electricity,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro, in a release.

“We are grateful to the Province for their support and funding, and we are proud to be working with our partners at Powertech and Coast to Coast Experiences to trial a technology that has the exciting potential to benefit communities right across BC.”