Work

The Social Factor in Vehicle-to-Grid Adoption: Exploring Consumer Attitudes in Germany

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Driven by global climate change initiatives, the greenefication of energy production and the electrification of the mobility sector are advancing rapidly. This shift increases reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources while simultaneously raising charging demand, potentially leading to grid imbalances during peak hours. In this context, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology has emerged as a promising solution. It enables batteries to serve as flexible backup power source, allowing charging vehicles at times of abundance of renewable energy and feed green energy back into the grid when supply is low. While policymakers and grid operators strongly support V2G, user perspectives the situation is far less clear on the user side. . Therefore, this study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on sociotechnical systems (STS) theory from the field of information systems (IS), to examine the mental models of electric vehicle users in Germany. Our analysis reveals five distinct groups: Flexible Skeptics, Selective Supporters, Cautious Optimists, Control-Oriented Realists, and Socially Conscious Advocates. Our findings help practitioners and policymakers to better understand the potential barriers to V2G adoption in Germany and enable them to develop tailored strategies to promote this technology.

Source: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2026.102034

Authors: Rawan Akkouch, Muriel Frank, Mariia Bilousova

Institutions: University of Luxembourg, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400