The UK Government is backing electric vehicle (EV) to grid technology with the announcement of a £20 million competition.

The projects will look into technology that allows plug-in EVs to not only draw power from the grid when charging but also return it to people’s homes or back to the grid.

The funding will be awarded to three types of innovative vehicle to grid projects:

• Feasibility studies investigating ways vehicle to grid technology can be used in the future
• Industrial research or experimental development, for example, to develop vehicle to grid charging equipment
• Demonstrator trials in the real-world environment

It is part of the government’s plans to create a smarter energy system while increasing the number of EVs on UK roads.

Claire Perry, Climate Change and Industry Minister said: “Vehicle to grid technology provides another opportunity for the UK to showcase to the world our leading expertise in research and development which is at the heart of our ambitious Industrial Strategy.

“This competition could unlock significant economic benefits for the UK – helping to create jobs in this burgeoning sector while helping to reduce our emissions.”

The competition is open and the deadline for applications is 18th October 2017.