Posted by: @davidb

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Posted by: @davidb

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Thanks @batpred It does and the article on chargers was really helpful.

A question.  The article asks Do I need DNO approval? The answer given is Yes. Any V2H install exporting more than 3.68 kW requires G99 approval, which typically takes 30 to 60 working days.

My query is the G99 required if everything is going V2H?

 

My understanding is that anything that is able to export and wired as such is in scope of the G standards. 

That's correct.

The DNO needs to verify that the proposed mechanism to prevent export to the grid is of an approved type, and cannot be over-ridden.

They aren't simply going to give permission because the manufacturer claims that the charger will operate in V2H mode.

The manufacturer will need to have already completed type-testing of the charger for G98, and that documentation have been accepted by the ENA.

Moreover, if there are two variants which would facilitate either V2G or V2H, then the DNO will check that it isn't possible to switch between those variants in future.

Since all EV chargers must now be "smart", there is an obvious risk that a subsequent software upgrade could change the classification. So it's unlikely that a 'software only' designation for V2H functionality would be deemed satisfactory.

The term 'smart' is incorrectly applied to EV chargers. They are simply capable of being controlled remotely. There's unlikely to be anything autonomous in terms of 'smartness'.

Posted by: @old_scientist

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I think the notion of having a large portable battery sat on the driveway for long periods that could be used to power our homes (or help balance the grid) is something that will clearly be hugely appealing as we move increasingly towards electrification with heat pumps etc. Hopefully one day this technology will be ubiquitous, but I feel we are currently a way off that being the case.

The time frame in which householders will be motivated to install large battery storage (portable or static) depends on

• DESNZ and Ofgem mandating that all suppliers must offer ToU tariffs
• that such a Directive be based on the availability of electricity (kWh) from renewable sources, rather than sterling (£)
• how long we've got until we suffer the next widespread outage (by equipment failure, or hostile attack)

For insight into the latter, see the transcript of the lecture by Anne Keast-Butler, Director of GCHQ, earlier this week (27may26).

Adding devices to the grid which embrace opportunities for remote monitoring or control should not be regarded as 'smart'!

I doubt that any V2H charger will be offering off-grid operation any time soon.

Thus the risk of impending widespread outages can't be mitigated by using a portable storage strategy.

That needs to change.

We used to have an Indra V2G/H charger, and a leaf, got them in 2020 I think.  We had the charger for 3 years, then gave it away as a spare - the company didn’t want it back (for free), and it can’t be used at a new property, so wasn’t really worth a lot, even tho it did still work.  We swapped it for a sunsynk inverter + 16kWh battery + extra PV.

The indra box worked mostly well; probably needed a reboot every couple of months, and the charge cable got stuck once a month or so - this was a nuisance.  The cable is electrically locked in place, and must be released before removal - because it’s a dc connection it must be extra secure - you mustn’t just unplug it, which you could with the AC connection.  Mrs RobL and I far prefer the simpler car charge only; you know what will be in it, it doesn’t go wrong, and it’s simple to unplug.  In contrast the sunsynk is bulletproof, and extra PV is great 🙂

V2G has been waiting for its day in the sun for a long time now, it’s always a few years away!