"Using leftover electricity from electric vehicles as a power source"… Bidirectional V2G 'Sandbox' Approved

KCCI-MOTIE 'Industrial Convergence Sandbox' Written Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The bidirectional electric vehicle charging service, V2G (Vehicle To Grid), which allows the reuse of leftover electricity from electric vehicles as a power source, has passed the sandbox. The OTA (Over-The-Air) service, which wirelessly updates car software without visiting a repair shop, also received additional approval.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sandbox Support Center and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 28th that the 'Industrial Convergence Regulatory Sandbox Deliberation Committee' held a written meeting and approved the bidirectional electric vehicle charging service (V2G) and car OTA services.

On this day, Busan Jeonggwan Energy's application for the 'bidirectional electric vehicle charging service' (V2G) was granted a demonstration exemption. V2G is a technology that retransmits the battery power of electric vehicles to the power grid. Currently, electric vehicle batteries can only be charged, but this future technology enables discharging as well, allowing leftover electricity to be resupplied to the power grid. It effectively uses electric vehicles as mobile energy storage systems (ESS).

Electric vehicles can be charged during periods of low power load and discharge electricity during peak load times to prevent blackouts caused by power overload and stabilize power supply and demand. The high-capacity battery installed in electric vehicles corresponds to about 10 days' worth of household electricity usage.

Electric vehicle owners can charge their vehicles when electricity rates are low and resell power during peak hours when rates are high, reducing vehicle maintenance costs. In summer, electricity rates range from 64.2 KRW per kWh at the cheapest times to 171.8 KRW per kWh at the most expensive, a difference of about three times.

The OTA service, which wirelessly updates automotive electronic control unit software without visiting a repair shop, also received additional temporary approval. Like updating a smartphone, vehicle performance can be upgraded anytime and anywhere with just one touch.

Under current law, OTA is considered automotive repair and was only possible at repair shops. The deliberation committee approved a temporary permit for Mercedes-Benz Korea, expecting increased consumer convenience, following previous sandbox approvals for Hyundai and Tesla.

Meanwhile, the KCCI Sandbox Support Center is the first private sandbox organization in Korea. Companies unable to commercialize due to lack of laws and systems (Loophole) or outdated laws can receive consulting through the KCCI sandbox. The service is free of charge.