The primary issue of grid stabilization isn't supplying large amounts of energy to the grid over time, it's getting enough power to it right now. Highly responsive storage is a tremendous asset.
I've got my doubts over the viability of EV-based grid storage, and a lot of the viability depends on technologies. If we see a period of rapid charging carbon nanotube or graphene batteries which can literally be fully charged in seconds to minutes, and have a tremendous number of charge cycles, it starts looking more viable. Even a Tesla Supercharger situation is pretty good in terms of time -- few commuters will be inconvenienced if their vehicle only receives a net charge for the last 30 minutes of its idle cycle, which during a daytime commute scenario typically lasts 8-9 hours.
Presently the alternatives are ... few. Pumped hydro works but is very limited by available siting. There simply aren't that many places where you can run a pump/turbine between two large bodies of water with a significant grade separation, and far fewer in Kansas (or Illinois, or Florida for that matter). One of the more reactive alternatives is kinetic storage through flywheels, which offer tremendous charge/discharge rates, but are also very pricey: about $10,000 per kWh capacity
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The primary issue of grid stabilization isn't supplying large amounts of energy to the grid over time, it's getting enough power to it right now. Highly responsive storage is a tremendous asset.
I've got my doubts over the viability of EV-based grid storage, and a lot of the viability depends on technologies. If we see a period of rapid charging carbon nanotube or graphene batteries which can literally be fully charged in seconds to minutes, and have a tremendous number of charge cycles, it starts looking more viable. Even a Tesla Supercharger situation is pretty good in terms of time -- few commuters will be inconvenienced if their vehicle only receives a net charge for the last 30 minutes of its idle cycle, which during a daytime commute scenario typically lasts 8-9 hours.
Presently the alternatives are ... few. Pumped hydro works but is very limited by available siting. There simply aren't that many places where you can run a pump/turbine between two large bodies of water with a significant grade separation, and far fewer in Kansas (or Illinois, or Florida for that matter). One of the more reactive alternatives is kinetic storage through flywheels, which offer tremendous charge/discharge rates, but are also very pricey: about $10,000 per kWh capacity
http://physics.ucsd.edu/do-the-math/2011/09/got-storage-how-...
I suspect idle EVs will be at best a small part of the total solution, but even a few-percent solution could be meaningful.