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California Could Utilize Parked Electric Vehicles as Major Energy Storage Source to Lower Costs

California has a significant opportunity to utilize parked electric vehicles (EVs) as a primary source of energy storage through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. A new report from GridLab, Kevala, and Energy and Environmental Economics suggests that enrolling just 10% of the state's projected EVs in V2G programs by 2036 could provide 9 gigawatts of power for 12 hours, accounting for more than one-third of the state's long-duration energy storage target. This technology allows compatible EVs to send power back into the grid during periods of high demand, enabling drivers to recharge when electricity is cheaper and more plentiful. The report argues that by leveraging these existing resources, the state can manage electricity demand without relying solely on expensive grid-scale batteries and infrastructure upgrades. To maximize this potential, the report recommends standardized program designs and compensation structures that reward customers for measurable grid performance. By optimizing these

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