Honda Technology ready to supply frequency containment reserve for Power Grid Stabilzation

Honda’s advanced research and development division, Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH, has made a significant breakthrough in vehicle to grid (V2G) technology. In a pilot with Next Kraftwerke GmbH, one of Europe’s largest Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operators, Honda has become the first automaker in Europe to achieve certification of a fleet of mass produced EVs, for the prequalification of frequency containment reserve (FCR) by Ampiron GmbH in Germany. 

When reacting to short-term frequency deviations in the power grid, service operators rely on balancing services that automatically intervene to restore the balance between supply and demand. Of these balancing services, FCR is the highest performance class for grid stabilisation and is also referred to as primary control reserve as it is the first response to frequency disturbances.

The pilot utilized mass production Honda e EVs, which qualified for support of grid stability through the instant provision of FCR to the Transmission System Operator (TSO). A fleet of 6 Honda e’s and 6 Honda Power Manager bi-directional CCS chargers were used during the trial, in which Honda was able to fulfil the high requirements for charging and discharging, necessary to ensure stable 50Hz grid frequency.

Using real-time information from Next Kraftwerke about current power capacity, Honda’s own power management system is able to respond within required standard time to charging and discharging commands of the TSO to each individual vehicle, while respecting the single SOC preferences of the individual EV driver.

This development is a vital step for advancing the role of EVs and bi-directional charging technology in any future sustainable energy system. Maintaining a consistent grid stability, will become one of the major challenges for the TSOs alongside with the further expansion of renewable energy sources.

“The project with Next Kraftwerke enables Honda to meet the new demands of the European market and deliver on its commitment to develop technologies that are creating value for  society,” said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe. “Typically, EVs are parked and connected to a charging station for most of the day, at offices and on driveways. Honda has identified that these standing times can be better utilised to offer additional services and revenues, through smart charging and discharging based on the current power grid frequency. This not only benefits EV owners, but also the surrounding infrastructure as we transition into an e-mobility-driven society.”

Honda Power Manager
Honda Power Manager is a bidirectional system that connects EVs to a smart power grid, enabling the collection and distribution of electricity between the two. This allows for intelligent balancing of the supply and demand of energy, including the better use of renewable sources. This not only regulates power to stabilise the grid during periods of high demand and minimise bottlenecks in the distribution of energy, but also reduces the need for expensive grid expansions as the demand for EV charging increases.

In a recent trial, Honda partnered with the V2X Suisse consortium to demonstrate the vital role of EVs and bidirectional charging technology in the future of energy management. The company supplied 50 Honda e cars and 35 Honda Power Manager units to support the pioneering trial, which delivered vehicle-to-grid (V2X) energy recovery capability for car sharing operator, Mobility, at sites across Switzerland.

Honda e

The Honda e is a multi award-winning all electric vehicle. The stylish city car has a number of unique features such as its lounge inspired interior, seamless connectivity and the latest Honda SENSING suite of advanced driver assistance systems. With a WLTP range of 120 miles and rapid charge capability, the Honda e is designed for everyday life

Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH

European Honda R&D Center, established 1985, located in Offenbach, Germany. Main focus is research in areas of advanced technologies for energy, automobile, motorcycle and solution system development.