Israel Explores Using Electric Trucks as Mobile Batteries to Support Power Grid

The Israeli government is considering deploying heavy electric vehicles, including electric and hydrogen trucks, as mobile batteries to supply energy back to the national power grid. This concept, known as Vehicle to Grid (V2G), allows electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also feed electricity back during peak demand or outages. The Ministry of Energy released a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the feasibility of implementing V2G technology in collaboration with the government-owned electricity system operator, Noga.

The initiative aims to transform fleets of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) into dynamic energy assets capable of two-way charging and discharging. This would help manage peak power loads, enhance grid resilience, and enable economic models based on time-of-use tariffs. The ministry envisions a system where solar energy generated during the day is stored not only in stationary batteries but also in vehicle batteries, which can then supply electricity back to the grid during high-demand periods.

One key goal is to improve grid stability, allowing heavy electric vehicles to provide emergency power during outages or attacks on power stations. V2G technology is already in use in several countries, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands. For example, Hyundai and Kia operate a V2G project in Utrecht, Netherlands, where their electric cars return electricity to the grid. Israel’s exploration of this technology reflects a growing global trend to integrate electric vehicles into energy infrastructure for enhanced sustainability and reliability.