With New Three-Row Electric SUVs Added to Lineup, Lexus and Toyota Support V2G Technology
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With New Three-Row Electric SUVs Added to Lineup, Lexus and Toyota Support V2G Technology

Toyota bZ4X charging at EVCS Exelon Pepco V2G Technology
  • Toyota and Pepco are collaborating in Maryland on V2G technology with the Toyota bZ4X.
  • V2G technology promises improved energy reliability, renewable integration, and potential cost savings during peak demand.
  • Maryland’s DRIVE Act mandates bidirectional charger processes to achieve 300,000 EVs by 2025.

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In Maryland, a partnership between Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and local utility Pepco is exploring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology using the Toyota bZ4X. This tech uses bidirectional power flow, allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to both charge from and supply power back to the grid.

Since about 80 percent of EV owners already charge at home during off-peak hours, V2G has the potential to change how we use energy. It could help incorporate more renewable energy sources and might even lower electricity bills during busy periods.

This connects back to Maryland’s DRIVE Act, which is pushing to get 300,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2025.


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V2G technology shows great promise by improving energy reliability, blending renewable energy sources, and possibly cutting electricity expenses for consumers.

“Bidirectional charging is a great way for customers to leverage their electric vehicles in a way that supports the grids and their home electricity ecosystem.” Christopher Yang, Group Vice President of Toyota EV Charging Solutions, explains. “Working with Pepco will help us understand charging and discharging use-cases, which will ultimately benefit our customers and help utility providers better understand grid demands.”

Image showcasing Toyota vZ4X CCS at Electrify Expo
Toyota bZ4X at Electrify Expo

Toyota and Pepco will be working together to study how EV owners charge their vehicles. This research is crucial for promoting widespread adoption of V2G technology. About 80% of EV owners currently charge their cars at home during times when demand for electricity is low. This aligns perfectly with V2G’s ability to supply power back to the grid during peak demand times or emergencies, such as severe weather events.

Tyler Anthony, President and CEO of Pepco Holdings, highlights the transformative impact of V2G technology, stating, “V2G is designed to connect with the local energy grid and is part of our roadmap to ensure a successful and equitable energy transition. This collaboration with Toyota allows us to better understand V2G technology and its impact on the grid, our customers, and overall service reliability as we work together toward a more sustainable and resilient future for the communities we serve.”

Electrify Expo Lexus RZ 450e on display - V2H Technology
Lexus RZ 450e display at Electrify Expo

Pepco is dedicated to Maryland’s growing EV market. They’re planning to set up 250 EV chargers in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. This supports Maryland’s goal to reach 300,000 EVs on the road by 2025.

Maryland recently passed HB 1256, known as the DRIVE Act, making it the first state to pass legislation requiring utilities to develop processes for bidirectional chargers. This new law shows Maryland’s commitment to building a sustainable energy system.


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The V2G research will be conducted at Pepco’s Watershed Sustainability Center in Rockville, Maryland. They’ll use a bidirectional charger to explore different EV charging and discharging scenarios. Pepco will lead this effort to assess how these setups can benefit both the grid and customers.

This project seeks to assist Pepco in understanding the infrastructure needs to rapidly expand EV charging capabilities and seamlessly integrate multiple V2G assets into the grid. This preparation is essential for complying with DRIVE Act standards and encouraging increased customer adoption of this technology.

Toyota bZ3X Added to Electric SUV Lineup V2G Technology at Beijing Auto Show - side profile
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV

Currently, Toyota has two main electric vehicles available in the U.S. and Canada: the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. They’ve also announced that they’re planning to introduce two new three-row electric SUVs. These SUVs will be built at their factories in Kentucky and Indiana.

Toyota’s goal is to expand their EV lineup significantly by 2030 to offer 30 different models under both the Toyota and Lexus brands worldwide. They also plan to ramp up production to make up to 3.5 million EVs every year.



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IMAGES: TOYOTA, ELECTRIFY EXPO

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AUTHOR: 

RANDI BENTIA

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