E-mobility deployment and impact on grids : impact of EV and charging infrastructure on European T&D grids : innovation needs

Abstract

The number of electric cars, vans, trucks and buses on the world's roads is rapidly increasing, with a larger variety of electric vehicle (EV) models commercially available. Nevertheless, typical users still have concerns when comparing them to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, such as short-range autonomy and higher prices, which are expected to be solved shortly. The development of a suitable charging infrastructure answering the needs of different stakeholders in the electromobility value chain and the adoption of efficient charging processes, especially smart charging, currently represent the major gap to be covered by most of the actors involved in this complex ecosystem. The EV charging process represents the tangible interface between transport and energy sectors and the crucial element for guaranteeing their successful development in the future energy systems providing a new flexibility resource for system operators (SOs). According to previously analysed charging use-cases, leaving the charging process uncontrolled might result in significant challenges for the power system, such as peak power demand due to cumulative effects in specific periods. In contrast, managing the charging process in terms of time scheduling and power profile (e.g. with efficient time-economic incentives) 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, SOs will enable improved system management, both in terms of ancillary services and grid congestions, using the flexibility that the charging process of EVs can provide. EV users will also benefit from lower charging energy costs, more reliable services and by contributing to a more sustainable transport. The relevant aspects underpinning these required actions present a clear regulatory framework that supports a full deployment of EV charging, including the necessary reinforcements in networks, minimum technical requirements and standardisation, dynamic pricing definition and a novel market structure and rules. Additionally, a holistic view and architecture will be required to improve and enhance cooperation among the many different stakeholders from traditionally separated sectors: vehicles, batteries, electronic and automation industries, information and communications technology (ICT), data platforms and mobility service providers, transport and urban planning authorities, electricity market aggregators and operators, consumers and prosumers, and power grid operators. In this multiple and complex system integration effort, grid operators, acting in an unbiased and non-discriminatory manner both as operators of the entire power system’s grid, are called to play a key role in supporting the optimal integration between the transport and the energy sectors. Despite the current level of technology readiness for EV adoption, demonstration activities and pilot projects will be crucial in testing proposed solutions and identifying open technical and regulatory issues. At the same time, studies should be performed to assess the most efficient solutions and business models. A strong cooperation among all the actors involved should also be pursued to define new efficient market features and proactively involve EV owners in participating in smart charging solutions. To avoid the risk of missing the multiple opportunities identified and described in this paper through the implementation of the different solutions, such as smart-charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions, ETIP SNET recommends taking into account the following ideas: • Promote coordinated planning for charging. All the relevant actors should be included in the planning and development process for the deployment of EV charging infrastructure, especially system operators preparing the networks ahead of need. • Enable a new ecosystem focused on consumer needs by further enhancing the participation of all agents and facilitating competition and maximising benefits by unlocking the potential of EV charging. Also improving cooperation through the defined roles and developing of the proper modelling tools. • Manage the charging process by promoting an additional and valuable flexibility resource necessary for the secure and efficient grid operation, facilitating a smart charging approach, thus smoothing peaks in the load curve. • Promote a new market structure, rules and regulatory framework for power grids and for the whole energy ecosystem to implement grid tariffs and power price schemes, launching ambitious deployments for EV charging. • Deploy electromobility enablers with smart metering, efficient communication capabilities and the adoption of common standards to guarantee the interoperability of charging networks and data, as well as effective data management and the setting up of a value proposition for the users. • The alignment of the charging protocols and standards implemented for the charging infrastructure and the battery management system must make possible the participation of the different agents in the electricity markets. Power grids have specific requirements in terms of monitoring, data exchange and time response, and for this reason, standard charging processes have still to be correctly fulfilled. • Promote a holistic view and architecture for an effective integration of EV charging infrastructure into the power grid, enabling flexible operation and coordinated planning of charging stations. Today, the electromobility environment is extremely dynamic, and EV diffusion could receive a sudden boost via the Green Deal and Recovery Plan; the actions stemming from the key findings of the technical and unbiased analysis described in this paper should therefore be pursued with no delay, transforming a challenge for the system into a valuable resource for its optimal management. The positive effects will be relevant and shared among different stakeholders. First and foremost, all European citizens will benefit from cleaner transport and energy systems, who are the final users of both energy and mobility services. Through this Position paper, ETIP SNET intends to contribute to the debate on technical and connectivity solutions, as well as on EV charging solutions and regulations to be adopted through the constructive cooperation between the power system, transport sector, urban planning, vehicle industry, related stakeholders and decision makers. The time for action is now, anticipating a massive EV deployment and avoiding the need of the future retrofitting of non-efficient models.