Evolution of V2G acceptance

Abstract

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology represents a key advancement in integrating electric vehicles with the power grid, enabling bidirectional energy flow to improve grid stability and optimise energy use and storage. Despite its technical feasibility, adoption remains hindered by social acceptance that evolves over time. The reviewed period from 2017 to 2025 has been marked by significant turbulence in sectors directly affecting V2G, including energy markets, mobility trends, and policy frameworks. Given that V2G has long been technically feasible yet struggled to achieve widespread acceptance, these disruptions present a unique window of opportunity. In light of this, rather than offering the usual snapshot perspective, this review focuses on the connections between its perception and trends influencing it. Aiming to identify the key drivers that could propel it toward widespread implementation. This review unconventionally combines academic literature with diverse grey literature, providing a broader perspective by incorporating industry developments and identifying trends. Factors are classified into three categories - emerging, persistent, and diminishing - capturing their changing significance over time. Our findings suggest that while financial incentives and lack of standardisation remain crucial, motivations for V2G acceptance are shifting, with sustainability and energy autonomy gaining importance. Some previously critical concerns, such as range anxiety and battery degradation, are diminishing as technology advances. Beyond identifying trends, we propose strategies to overcome key barriers, providing a deeper understanding of evolving consumer priorities and technological advancements.