How to use this calculator
- Enter the energy activity for one session or period.
- Add the applicable electricity prices and charging efficiency.
- Include fixed fees and number of sessions.
- Calculate total and unit economics.
#1414 · Energy & Environment Tool
Vehicle to Grid Energy Cost Calculator
Estimate the net energy value of repeated vehicle-to-grid events by comparing export credits with the electricity needed to recharge the battery. Charging losses and fixed session fees are included, so the result can reveal whether a tariff creates positive or negative operating value before battery wear and taxes.
Calculator
Energy, rates, and sessionsFormula
Net value = (Exported kWh × export credit − Exported kWh ÷ efficiency × recharge rate − fixed fee) × sessions
What the result means
A positive result means export credit exceeds recharge electricity and fixed fees under the entered assumptions. Battery degradation, taxes, and program-specific payments are outside this estimate.
Do not treat positive energy arbitrage as profit until battery wear, eligibility payments, taxes, and equipment costs are considered.
Example calculation
The live defaults provide a reproducible example. Change any rate or efficiency input to see the total and per-session result update after Calculate.
Tips for better results
- Use the marginal tariff rate for the charging time window.
- Include idle, parking, or connection fees.
- Use measured charging efficiency when available.
- Run separate seasonal or location scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
Does V2G export revenue equal profit?
No. Net profit may also include battery wear, equipment cost, program payments, taxes, and maintenance.
Why is recharge energy higher than exported energy?
Charging losses mean the grid must supply more energy than the battery receives when restoring the exported charge.
Should fixed V2G program payments go in the export credit?
Only convert them to a per-kWh rate if that allocation is appropriate; otherwise evaluate them separately.
Can time-of-use prices be modeled?
Yes. Enter the export credit and recharge rate for the relevant event and charging windows.
Does this estimate battery degradation cost?
No. It isolates energy cash flow and fixed session fees; use the battery degradation calculator for wear.
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Energy cost variables
| Variable | Included in result |
|---|---|
| Energy activity | Distance or exported energy |
| Electricity rates | Energy charge or credit |
| Efficiency | Charging conversion losses |
| Fixed fees | Per-session non-energy cost |