Photo: U.S. Air Force

Photo: U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force has unveiled the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) first non-tactical vehicle fleet of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, the Air Force announced Nov. 14.

The 42-vehicle fleet is the result of a partnership between federal, state, and private energy organizations, while serving as a demonstration of emerging vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

California energy providers and regulators worked closely with the Air Force on safety and performance testing as well as technical and regulatory aspects of launching the vehicles.

The fleet includes both electric and hybrid vehicles ranging from sedans to trucks and a 12-passenger van, according to the Air Force.

Using V2G technology, the vehicles have the capability to direct power to and from the electrical grid when they’re not being driven. Unique charging stations have been installed at the Los Angeles Air Force Base to support this capability.

V2G technology enables the vehicles to provide more than 700 kilowatts of power to the grid, which could power more than 140 American homes. They also enhance the power grid’s reliability and security by balancing demand against supply without having to use reserves or standby generators.

The Air Force plans to expand the V2G demonstration to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

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