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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Grid for Vehicles - Analysis of the impact and possibilities of a mass introduction of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the electricity networks in Europe

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Gearing up for massive introduction of electric vehicles

Analsys of the impact of a mass EV introduction in order to optimise the grid infrastructure and make use of the opportunities this represents for the operation of smart grids.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EV, PHEV) have the potential to contribute significantly to solving contemporary and future environmental and economic challenges of mobility. . EVs have the potential to help shift our transport systems to a more sustainable model. They also offer new opportunities for the take-up of renewable energy sources and the introduction of smart grid management. However, their mass adoption depends on widespread changes in supporting infrastructure and greater public acceptance. An EU-funded research project, G4V, brought together utility companies and research institutes from across the European Union to examine the effect on electricity networks of mass introduction of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Researchers also assessed measures that could ease the introduction of these vehicles. The team ran simulations on more than 200 real grids to assess different charging control strategies. They looked at different types of driving as well as a variety of options for charging power and locations. They found a large variety in all the countries they looked at. Some grids are already in need of reinforcements without the introduction of EVs, whilst others could accommodate 100 % penetration of EVs without any problems. Cost-efficient introduction of EVs will depend on suitable control strategies, which develop as usage increases. The G4V team stressed that public adoption of EVs will depend on sufficient availability of public infrastructure and other social and regulatory factors. Project partners are continuing their work in another collaborative project. The results should be a major step towards more efficient and smarter mobility for the future.

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