Element Energy, an ERM Group company, is working with Wallbox and UK Power Networks to help drive the commercialization of Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) technology through the V2B User Interface Learning Device (V2BUILD) project.

As the energy transition gathers pace, V2B technology offers a vision of the future where buildings powered by ranks of electric vehicles (EVs) reduce grid dependence as well as energy bills at peak times.

The V2BUILD project is part of the V2X Innovation Programme funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by Innovate-UK. V2X is part of the £65 million Flexibility Innovation Programme, funded from the £1 billion DESNZ Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. V2BUILD brings together pioneers in smart electrification research, smart bi-directional charging systems and active network operation to explore how EVs could be combined with other energy assets such as solar power and heat pumps to decarbonize buildings.

Bi-directional chargers for EVs discharging to buildings offer a key flexibility solution to electrify transport and heat in the most efficient way, while helping to ensure buildings maximize the use of low-cost renewable electricity from the network or from rooftop solar  installations.

V2BUILD will identify the types of business models, buildings, vehicle fleets and locations which are best positioned to capture the value of V2B technology while determining the key applications for V2B based on engagement with commercial and residential property owners and occupiers. The team is also developing a tool to help building owners estimate the net benefits of V2B for buildings and electric vehicle fleets.

Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks said: “The UK’s transition to Net Zero won't rely on a single quick fix solution, but a suite of innovative smart solutions working in tandem. V2BUILD is yet another powerful flexibility solution we can add to our arsenal, looking at how multiple low-carbon technologies can reduce the impact buildings of the future have on the network and increase network resilience at the same time.”

Alan McCelvey, Director of Wallbox in the UK and Ireland said: “By utilizing our innovative bi-directional charging technology, we are able to harness the power of EV energy to protect the grid in the ramp up to electrification.

“The V2BUILD project is allowing us to model the data required to develop a tailor-made solution for the UK market.”

Celine Cluzel, Partner at Element Energy, an ERM group company, said: “Businesses are increasingly looking for ways to accelerate their decarbonization journeys. V2B technology can help businesses with fleets to reduce their carbon footprint, but first they need to understand the commercial rationale.

“Working with Wallbox and UK Power Networks, we will draw on our experience in techno-economic transport modelling, building power demand, energy system decarbonization and consumer research to generate the deep insights required to set out the business case for V2B and ultimately accelerate the roll-out of this innovative technology.”

About Element Energy, an ERM Group company

Element Energy (EE) is a specialist zero carbon energy consultancy with extensive experience in EV and V2G charging infrastructure economics, building energy systems, flexibility modelling and provision of user-friendly cost benefit assessment tools.

EE has led several trials of low carbon vehicles and fuel infrastructure, such as the STEP project which deployed and tested 200 public EV chargers in London using innovative charger technology. Furthermore, EE has led multiple feasibility studies on synergies between highly renewable power systems and smart electrified transport including V2G such as V2GB and Batteries on Wheels.

In 2021 Element Energy became part of ERM Group. As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunities for future generations.

ERM’s diverse team of 7,500+ world-class experts in over 170 offices across 39 countries supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability. Through ERM’s deep technical expertise, clients are well-positioned to address their environmental, health, safety, risk, and social issues. ERM calls this capability its “boots to boardroom” approach - a comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level. Learn more

About Wallbox

Wallbox is a global technology company, dedicated to changing the way the world uses energy. Wallbox creates advanced electric vehicle charging and energy management systems that redefine users' relationship to the grid. Wallbox goes beyond electric vehicle charging to give users the power to control their consumption, save money, and live more sustainably. Wallbox offers a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions for residential, semi-public and public use in more than 113 countries. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Barcelona, the company currently employs nearly 1,400 people in its offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For additional information, please visit www.wallbox.com.

About UK Power Networks

UK Power Networks owns and runs the cables and substations which deliver electricity from the national grid to 8.4 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, serving approximately 20 million people.

As the country’s biggest electricity distributor, it has invested more than £6.4 billion in its electricity networks since 2011, focusing on safety, network reliability, sustainability and affordability by caring for vulnerable customers and keeping costs low.

It is a founder member of the Levelling up Coalition, sixth on the UK Inclusive Companies list as well as one of only 2% of companies worldwide to achieve Platinum Investor in People status.

If you have an issue with your power, there are many ways to get in touch including freephone 105 and @UKPowerNetworks.