How Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology could cut fleet costs?

Electric vehicles are no longer just a cleaner way to get around — they could soon become a key part of Belgium’s energy system. The concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) — where EVs don’t just charge but also return electricity to the grid — is gaining attention among HR and Fleet Managers trying to balance cost, sustainability, and flexibility.

During Crossroads, industry experts Philippe Vangeel (EV Belgium) and Nicolas Verstraete (Next Mobility) joined Nick Bols (Mbrella) in a panel discussion to explore what V2G really means, how close it is to reality, and what companies can do to prepare.

What is V2G, and why does it matter?

Most EVs today simply consume electricity. But as Vangeel explains, “Vehicle-to-grid allows cars to also give back, helping stabilse the grid when demand peaks.”

This isn’t just a technical curiosity. Belgium’s electricity use is changing fast, with renewables making supply more variable. Cars, which are parked 95% of the time, represent a massive, flexible battery network that could help balance the system — and even lower bills.

“It’s not a question of if we’ll use V2G,” says Vangeel. “It’s a necessity — for the grid, for costs, and for the energy transition.”

Myths and misconceptions: will V2G damage batteries?

One of the biggest myths is that sending electricity back to the grid degrades EV batteries.

“Today, we know it doesn’t,” said Vangeel. “The battery doesn’t care about small, slow load and unload cycles. It’s proven in the field.”

In fact, with the right setup, V2G can extend battery life by avoiding deep discharge cycles.

Why regulation is the real bottleneck

Technically, V2G is ready. At least partly. “Around 150 electric models today are V2G-capable,” says Vangeel. “Some chargers already support it. The technology is ahead of regulation.”

Belgium’s challenge? No clear legal or fiscal framework yet.

“Right now, car policies don’t define how to discharge your car — only how to charge it,” explained Verstraete.

That creates big HR and tax questions:

• If an employee sends energy from their company car to their home, is that a benefit in kind?
• How is VAT handled when power flows both ways?

“It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg story,” says Verstraete. “We need the regulation, but we also need companies to start preparing.”

What companies can do today

Even if full V2G isn’t ready yet, the experts agree: fleet managers should start preparing now.

1. Update car policies — Make space for future bidirectional charging and clarify how energy use and reimbursement will work.
2. Ask for “V2G-ready” in tenders — Even if activation takes time, this ensures long-term compatibility.
3. Work with energy partners — “It’s no longer just about cars,” says Vangeel. “Fleet management now overlaps with energy management.”

He points out that Belgium’s distribution system operators (DSOs) like Fluvius and Sibelga are facing major pressure to upgrade local grids. “If we keep creating evening peaks, they’ll have to put more copper in the ground, and that’s what raises everyone’s bills,” he warns. “V2G can help avoid that.”

From cars to “batteries on wheels”

With vehicle-to-grid (V2G), company cars can become part of an energy ecosystem. Instead of sitting idle 95% of the time, parked EVs can store and return electricity, helping both the company and the national grid.

Verstraete notes:

“At 9:30 a.m., most cars are just sitting there with full batteries. Imagine if we could use that flexibility — even partially — to help the grid or the office.”

In practice, this means:

• Lower energy bills: EVs can discharge energy during peak-demand hours and recharge when prices are low, cutting electricity costs for offices or depots.
• Grid support and backup: Fleets can help stabilise the grid or even provide backup power during outages, especially when paired with on-site solar panels.
• New revenue streams: Through aggregators, companies can sell energy or offer flexibility services to the grid operator.
• Hardware readiness: As Philippe Vangeel noted, “almost 150 of the EVs available today are vehicle-to-grid ready.” The technology exists — it’s mostly a matter of unlocking it through software and smart planning.

This flexibility could lead to a new kind of fleet economics, where cars generate value instead of only consuming energy.

“Electric fleets are already cost-competitive,” says Verstraete. “Add V2G, and the total cost of ownership only improves.”

The HR and fleet angle: when mobility meets energy

For HR and fleet managers, this shift means thinking beyond cars.

“You’re not just managing vehicles anymore,” says Vangeel. “You’re managing energy, charging, and soon — flexibility.”

That means aligning mobility policies, energy contracts, and employee benefits in a single framework.

And it’s coming fast: under EU rules, from 2027 all new public chargers must be bidirectional-ready.

What key takeaway for HR & Fleet Managers?

V2G is turning your company fleet into a smarter, cheaper, and more sustainable asset. So, should you already act now? Yes, but smartly. It’s not fully here yet, but it’s coming faster than expected.

Full-scale V2G adoption will take a few years, but future-proofing your fleet strategy today will save major headaches (and costs) later.

Start by:

• Reviewing your car policy language around charging and home use.
• Asking suppliers for V2G-ready cars and chargers.
• Partnering with energy experts who can handle the technical and regulatory complexity.

“Waiting for the government won’t work,” says Vangeel. “The private sector should lead. With clear, practical proposals.”

And when it does, the companies that have prepared their policies, tools, and mindset will be the ones cutting costs and powering the grid.

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