Electric cars could help solve the European energy crisis

Europe is currently mired in a serious energy crisis caused mainly by its huge dependence on Russian gas. The authorities are evaluating numerous measures in the short, medium, and long term to reverse this situation; however, everything indicates that countries like Germany will have serious problems this winter, being forced to drastically reduce their consumption.

Against this background, Bloomberg speculates on a possible solution to the energy problems of old Europe: the electric car. Although a priori it might seem that the commitment to electric mobility would be counterproductive because the batteries are charged, logically, with electrical energy, in reality, the matter has much more background.

In recent times, most European countries have redoubled their commitment to renewable energy. The lower price of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, as well as the ambitious decarbonization goals set by the European Union for the coming decades, have led to this expansion.

The biggest problem with renewable energy is its intermittency. Therefore, when generation is low or there are peaks in demand, it is necessary to burn coal or gas (in many cases of Russian origin) to compensate. How could electric cars help solve this in the coming years?

V2G technology will be key to stabilizing the electricity grid in Europe

The answer is found in V2G (Vehicle-to-grid) technology; that is, bidirectional loading. Cars equipped with this solution are capable of supplying electricity to the grid at times of greatest demand, charging during off-peak hours. Put another way, electric vehicles can help stabilize the power grid.

Audi Q4 e-Tron
Audi Q4 e-Tron

Thus, the energy of renewable origin is stored in the batteries as if it were a stationary storage device, and it is discharged when the generation is lower. This would make it possible to reduce the intermittency of renewable energies, which in turn would translate into less dependence on resources from external powers such as Russia.

Although most electric cars do not yet have bidirectional charging, manufacturers are beginning to implement this technology in their latest launches. It is estimated that, within five years, one in three electric cars will be able to transfer energy to the network; not in vain, a car only circulates 10% of the time, so giving it another use when it is parked makes all the sense in the world.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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