E-FLEX - Real-world Energy Flexibility through Electric Vehicle Energy Trading

Every electric vehicle could become a mini power station, selling energy back to the grid when not in use. The E-FLEX project tackles a stubborn problem: how to create a real market that makes this vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trading profitable for both fleet operators and energy users. Without a working market mechanism, the potential for EVs to act as mobile batteries and cut carbon emissions remains theoretical. The team will run a large-scale demonstration involving 200 electric vehicles from London fleets—parcel delivery vans, car-sharing cars, police vehicles, and health service vehicles. These vehicles have different daily schedules and charging needs, which mirrors real-world complexity. The first phase tests fixed scheduling against known energy demand; the second phase shifts to near-real-time market trading. Researchers will monitor every vehicle’s use, charging cycles, battery performance, and the costs and value captured. If successful, E-FLEX could prove that a functioning V2G market is viable, turning parked EVs into a flexible energy resource that supports the grid, reduces carbon, and generates revenue for operators—without compromising their primary job of moving people and goods.