ENTSO-E - Electric Vehicle Integration into Power Grids

ENTSO-E Position Paper Electric Vehicle Integration into Power Grids

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Executive Summary

After a deep analysis and the pooling of TSO experiences, ENTSO-E considers
electromobility a powerful resource, not only to decarbonise the transport sector
but also to provide flexibility services to the energy system. An optimal vehicle-grid interaction will guarantee important environmental and economic benefits for consumers and all involved actors, as well as improved system management. To make it real, all the involved actors should cooperate to promote the implementation and deployment of smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

This Position Paper (Paper) analyses the most relevant characteristics of E-mobility with a particular focus on its impact on the power system. The intense efforts in this sector by European decision makers clearly sets the path towards the massive adoption of electric cars, commercial vehicles and buses. The number of commercially available models is rapidly increasing, and typical users` concerns when comparing them to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, such as short-range autonomy and higher prices, are expected to be solved shortly. The development of a suitable charging infrastructure answering the needs of different stakeholders in the electro-mobility value chain and the adoption of a
smart charging process currently represent the major gap to be covered for most of the actors involved in this complex ecosystem.

The electrical vehicle (EV) charging process represents the concrete interface between transport and energy sectors and is the crucial element for guaranteeing the successful development for both. According to the analysed charging use-cases, leaving the charging process uncontrolled can result in significant challenges for the power system, such as peak power demand due to cumulative effects in certain time-periods. In contrast, managing the charging process in
terms of time scheduling and power profile will not only limit the potential challenges but also open new opportunities. This can be achieved by time scheduling and power profile management, or through market-based mechanisms (e. g. flexibility markets). Several opportunities exist to profitably exploit EV charging, each having different aims and beneficiaries, and stacking them is possible to maximise the benefits. “Smart” EV charging can support the integration of a larger share of renewable energy source (RES) generation, by reshaping the power demand curve, supporting generation fleet adequacy, and reducing system costs and CO2 emissions. In addition, the EVs will enable improved system management, both in terms of ancillary services and grid congestions. EV users will also benefit from lower charging energy costs, more reliable services and by contributing to more sustainable transport.