UK considers V2G incentives for carmakers in ZEV mandate review
Government plans to reward manufacturers for vehicle-to-grid technology, but critics warn it could let them sell more petrol cars.
What to know
- UK government is proposing financial credits to carmakers for installing V2G technology in electric vehicles as part of a ZEV mandate review.
- Critics argue the incentive structure is flawed: manufacturers would receive £4,000-per-car credits for equipment costing hundreds of pounds, when few drivers even own the chargers needed to use V2G.
- The scheme could paradoxically increase petrol car sales by allowing manufacturers to offset ZEV targets through V2G credits, potentially adding 147m tonnes of carbon by 2050.
- V2G technology itself is valuable for grid balancing during renewable energy gaps, but should be rewarded only when actually used by drivers, not merely installed.
The dispute Whether the £4,000-per-car credits are justified compensation for V2G installation, or an excessive windfall that prioritizes manufacturer profits over driver benefits and grid outcomes. · positions read across 1 posts and comments
V2G incentives could meaningfully boost adoption if structured well—potential savings for consumers are substantial.
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“This could be big news for V2G adoption in the UK: how does £4k off the price of a new car sound?”
clanger9 · Mastodon ↗
The proposal overpays manufacturers for technology they should already include, and rewards installation without ensuring actual usage.
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“Vehicle to grid is exciting technology that could help balance the grid and cut bills, but carmakers should only be rewarded if it's actually used, not just for fitting it.”
Ben Nelmes · The Guardian ↗
“Ministers should make sure the people who benefit from V2G are drivers and billpayers, not carmakers' shareholders.”
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive · The Guardian ↗ · Oct 25
UK government Policy makerBen Nelmes CEO of New AutoMotive thinktankVicky Edmonds CEO of Electric Vehicle Association EnglandEnvironmental campaign groups Advocacy
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts
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New AutoMotive warns V2G credits overcompensate manufacturers
New AutoMotive analysis shows carmakers would receive credits worth around £4,000 per car for V2G equipment costing only a few hundred pounds, while most drivers lack the expensive chargers needed to use the technology.
“Under these proposals, one or even two extra credits worth around £4,000 each would hand manufacturers thousands per car for kit that costs a few hundred pounds, even though few drivers own the expensive charger needed to use it.”
— Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive -
C
This could be big news for V2G adoption in the UK: how does £4k off the price of a new car sound? # v2g https://www. theguardian.com/environment/20 26/oct/26/uk-carmakers-evs-automatic-charge-sell-electricity-back-to-grid-technology
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background
Campaign groups warn V2G credits could enable higher petrol car sales — Environmental and industry groups raise concerns that the incentive scheme could have a counterintuitive effect: allowing carmakers to offset ZEV targets by earning credits for V2G technology, enabling them to sell more conventional petrol vehicles. The government is also preparing to cut overall EV sales targets under the mandate.
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background
UK government proposes V2G incentives in ZEV mandate review — Ministers are considering giving carmakers financial incentives to install vehicle-to-grid technology in electric vehicles. The credits would allow manufacturers to sell additional petrol cars without facing fines if they miss ZEV targets.
Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet
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first by The Guardian, 13d ago · also Guardian Environment, Guardian