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Unlocking Electric Vehicle Flexibility for Savings and Grid Optimization

Recent research published by Eurelectric highlights the significant savings electric vehicle (EV) owners in Europe could achieve through the adoption of smart and bidirectional charging technologies. According to studies, an EV owner can potentially save between €450 and €2,900 annually. This financial advantage is made possible as electric vehicles can store excess electricity during off-peak hours and sell it back to the grid during peak demand, effectively supporting grid stability and efficiency.

The concept of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology not only assists in balancing the power grid but also helps reduce congestion during peak usage times. However, the research points out a critical gap—the lack of clear economic incentives for consumers to engage in these practices. To harness this potential fully, it is essential to provide consumers with clear price signals and enhanced access to flexibility markets, alongside interoperability across the e-mobility sector.

As more renewable energy sources are integrated into the power system, Europe’s flexibility requirements are predicted to double over the next five years. The study posits that EV batteries could collectively offer as much as 114 TWh of capacity by 2030, which is about enough to power 30 million households for a year. This amount represents approximately 4% of Europe’s annual projected power demand, showcasing the untapped potential of EVs in the energy landscape.

Eurelectric’s Secretary General, Kristian Ruby, stated, “Our study shows EVs can help drivers make money while stabilising the power system, but customers need choice in the market and clear incentives to act.” As electric vehicle sales move past early adopters, the challenge shifts to persuading mainstream consumers, who still face barriers such as high upfront costs associated with purchasing an EV. Though there was a slight decline in EV sales in 2024, a rebound is evident in 2025, suggesting a growing momentum in the market.

Additionally, the flexibility that smart charging provides could significantly reduce ownership costs, making owning an EV more attractive compared to conventional vehicles. While public charging infrastructure has seen growth—reporting a 30% increase in 2024, reaching over 820,000 charging stations—further expansion is required to meet the targets set by the European Commission, which aims for 3.5 million public chargers by 2030. Achieving this means installing over 8,600 charging units weekly.

To drive consumer participation in this energy flexibility, it’s imperative for the entire e-mobility ecosystem to present EVs not just as transport vehicles but as integral components of a sustainable energy solution. Serge Colle, EY’s Global Power and Utilities Sector Leader, emphasized that “Easy-to-use smart-charging propositions with clear cost benefits are critical.”

From a grid management perspective, distribution system operators (DSOs) stand to save approximately €4 billion annually through higher flexibility, which can partially alleviate infrastructure expansion needs. However, this strategy’s success hinges on DSOs gaining access to real-time digital monitoring and interoperable data at no additional cost.

In conclusion, unlocking the true potential of electric vehicles for both consumers and the power grid requires a collaborative effort across various stakeholders, ensuring that both incentives and infrastructure keep pace with the rapid evolution of the e-mobility landscape. As we transition towards a more sustainable energy future, the role of EVs in this ecosystem cannot be underestimated—let’s transform potential into actionable power.