Researchers have found Utrecht’s vehicle-to-grid (V2G) car-sharing project demonstrates EV batteries can deliver grid flexibility at scale and offers a replicable model for cities around the world.
University of Edinburgh researchers, working as part of the Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-Free Society (EPICS) programme, made the finding in a report assessing Utrecht Energized, which is Europe’s first large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) car-sharing scheme.
Launched in the Dutch city of Utrecht in June 2025, the scheme deploys 150 bidirectional electric vehicles (EVs) as shared transport and distributed energy assets, storing surplus solar power and feeding it back to the local electricity network during peak demand. The fleet is on track to grow to 500 vehicles by the end of 2026, it said.
The report evaluates the project’s technical achievements, the partnerships that made it possible, and the policy lessons it offers for the UK and beyond.
It also concluded V2G technology has matured to the point where it can deliver scalable grid-balancing services using commercially available hardware and software.
In its first five months of operation, just 50 Utrecht Energized cars discharged more than 65,000 kWh of electricity back to the distribution network.
The researchers identified grid congestion as both the primary driver of V2G innovation in Utrecht and a growing challenge across the UK and Europe. EV batteries could be used as flexible storage to provide around 50 GW of clean flexibility capacity in Great Britain alone by 2050, according to national system operator modelling, it added.
Authors in the report also set out three priorities for governments and network operators: developing granular, publicly accessible mapping of current and forecast grid constraints; embedding V2G capability requirements in public procurement frameworks before charging infrastructure is locked in; and aligning grid codes internationally to encourage vehicle manufacturers to commit to V2G at scale.
For local authorities, the report recommends using planning powers to require V2G-compatible charging as a condition of consent for new residential and commercial development, and integrating V2G into on-street and public car park infrastructure programmes.
Dr Jess Britton, Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh, said:
“Utrecht Energized offers real-world, operational evidence — beyond trials — that V2G can ease grid congestion, reduce private car ownership, and support renewable energy integration.
“The lessons for UK cities and policymakers are significant.”
Mark Letcher, report lead author, said:
“Utrecht Energized shows just what can be achieved when public and private sectors collaborate around a common goal.
“As more V2G capable EVs come to market, there are real opportunities to tackle grid congestion in ways that support the transition to cleaner, and cheaper energy and transport systems.”
Image of report courtesy of University of Edinburgh
