The UK Government is set to invest £30m in new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies that can unlock the potential of electric vehicles to power people’s homes.

The new V2G technologies can enable electric cars to deliver electricity back to the smart grid to provide power to homes and businesses.

UK Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “As the number of electric vehicles grows and their battery capabilities increase, there is a huge opportunity for them to make a significant contribution to a smart grid.

“These projects are at the cutting edge of their field. Just like the visionary designs of Brunel and Stephenson in transport, they could revolutionise the ways in which we store and manage electricity, both now and in the future.”

“As the number of electric vehicles grows and their battery capabilities increase, there is a huge opportunity for them to make a significant contribution to a smart grid.”

Awarded to 21 V2G projects, the funding will be used to research, design and develop the technology, as well as explore its commercial viability and opportunities.

The schemes will exhibit how electricity can be borrowed from electric vehicle batteries during peak hours.

It will also support EDF Energy’s V2GO scheme that will conduct a large-scale demonstration of V2G charging in Oxford using 100 electric fleet vehicles.

EDF Energy research and development and Smart Customers head Dan Bentham said: “Electric vehicles will play an important role in the future of UK energy and its economy. They will have a beneficial impact on the environment by reducing emissions and improving air quality.

“Through our research, EDF Energy will use new technologies, business models and smart systems to make low carbon transport, and the infrastructure and market conditions needed for its success, a reality.”