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A new policy report co-authored by University of Edinburgh researchers finds that Utrecht’s pioneering vehicle-to-grid car-sharing project demonstrates that EV batteries can deliver grid flexibility at scale — and offers a replicable model for cities around the world.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, working as part of the Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-Free Society (EPICS) programme, have published an assessment of Utrecht Energized — 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.

The report, ‘Charged with Potential: Lessons from Utrecht Energized’, evaluates the project’s technical achievements, the partnerships that made it possible, and the policy lessons it offers for the UK and beyond.

“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.”
Dr Jess Britton, Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh

“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.”
Mark Letcher, report lead author

Key findings

The report concludes that 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 identify grid congestion as both the primary driver of V2G innovation in Utrecht and a growing challenge across the UK and Europe. As renewables expand and heat and transport electrify, the ability to use EV batteries as flexible storage could provide around 50 GW of clean flexibility capacity in Great Britain alone by 2050, according to national system operator modelling.

The authors 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.

Notes to editors

The report ‘Charged with Potential: Lessons from Utrecht Energized Vehicle-to-Grid Project’ is authored by Mark Letcher ((independent researcher), Dr Jess Britton and Richard Hoggett (University of Edinburgh) and published by the EPICS (Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-Free Society) research programme in April 2026.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows bidirectional flow of electricity between an electric vehicle and the power grid, enabling EV batteries to store surplus renewable energy and discharge it during periods of peak demand.

For interview requests or further information, please contact the University of Edinburgh Press Office.