Understanding drivers’ willingness to incorporate V2G technology into their mobility routines

Abstract

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicle (EV) to not only charge but also discharge electricity back to the grid, providing benefits for the energy system and financial incentives for users. However, unlocking V2G’s potential and ensuring reliable contributions to grid stability requires understanding people’s willingness to participate in V2G in their daily routines, as well as the behavioural drivers and their relative importance. This study investigates individuals’ willingness to plug in their private V2G-enabled EVs at each parking opportunity, adopting a flexible, daily routine-based perspective that reflects the trade-offs people make between the benefits gained and the inconveniences encountered in everyday life. In addition, recognising that plug-in behaviour involves both charging and discharging, we incorporate a range of factors that capture such complexity. A stated choice experiment was conducted in the Netherlands, where respondents made choices on whether to plug in their EVs in hypothetical scenarios. By combining stated choice experiments with latent class modelling, the study reveals heterogeneity in V2G willingness, thereby advancing current understanding and informing both energy system design and policy. Two distinct user segments are found: (1) cautious adopters, often women and non-EV owners, highly sensitive to inconvenience and battery-related concerns; and (2) confident EV pragmatists, primarily men and current EV users, showing greater tolerance for trade-offs. Policy implications are proposed in three areas: business model development, class-specific strategies and infrastructure planning. These insights contribute to enabling broader V2G adoption and integrating EVs more effectively into sustainable energy systems.