Electric Vehicles and Energy Communities: Vehicle-to-Grid Opportunities and a Sustainable Future

Renewable energy sources and energy independence are becoming increasingly important worldwide, and reducing emissions and optimizing energy use are high on the EU’s agenda. In this context, electric and hybrid vehicles could not only be a means of transport but also an active part of the grid. This paper analyzes one year of empirical data of a hybrid vehicle using a linear programing method that allows the optimization of energy return under different settings. The aim of the study is to determine the contribution that vehicles can make to the stability of the grid and the functioning of energy communities. It also compares the distribution of energy sources used in the EU and presents the current range of V2G-capable vehicle models. The results show that hybrid vehicles can also be effective energy storage devices, especially at fleet level. V2G technology could influence the development of battery production and contribute to the expansion of secondary markets by enabling the recycling of degraded batteries for buildings or renewable energy systems. The article also summarizes the development opportunities and challenges for V2G technology, in particular its role in energy grids and sustainable transport.