New approaches to electromobility: How smart charging and V2G could reduce costs and stabilize the power grid
Electric vehicles have long been more than just sustainable alternatives to the combustion engine - used correctly, they can serve as energy storage systems and thus offer economic benefits for users. Our research in the GAMES project shows how smart charging solutions and innovative technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) can relieve pressure on the electricity grid, reduce costs and even generate additional revenue. The 4 most important findings at a glance:
1. Smart charging: savings potential of up to 68%
Smart charging can significantly reduce energy costs. By using dynamic electricity tariffs - i.e. the targeted purchase of electricity at favorable times - an average of 27% of energy costs can be saved. In times of strongly fluctuating prices, savings of up to 49% are even possible.
The greatest effect can be seen when smart charging is combined with a photovoltaic system. By optimizing self-consumption - i.e. charging the vehicle when the PV system is producing a particularly large amount of electricity - energy costs can be reduced by as much as 68%. This technology would already be ready for the market today.
2.vehicle-to-grid (V2G): The e-car as a source of income
The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concept goes one step further. Here, the battery of an electric car is not only used for charging, but also as an energy storage device that can feed surplus energy back into the grid. Combined with smart charging, the car can then draw electricity cheaply and sell it back later at higher prices.
Our research results show that users can save between 29% and 59% of their energy costs with V2G and make additional profits. However, V2G technology still faces challenges, particularly in terms of market maturity and grid stability.
3. Electric car fleets as the key to grid stability
Electric car fleets can actively contribute to stabilizing the electricity grid. A fleet of 24,000 vehicles could reduce the peak load of a city like Zurich by around 6% - in the short term, even more than 10% is possible. The key to this is dynamic power tariffs that create economic incentives for grid-friendly charging.
4. Limits of electric car fleets as a storage solution
Can electric car fleets also store surplus PV energy? Our analyses show that the capacity for this is limited. Even large car-sharing fleets with 10,000 to 40,000 vehicles could only store 5% to 22% of surplus PV energy. Compared to the total electricity demand of a large city, this corresponds to just 0.4% of demand.
In summary, it can therefore be said that electric vehicles have the potential to make a valuable contribution to the integration of renewable energies, but are not the only solution. Additional innovative storage technologies are needed for a sustainable energy transition.
We have summarized details of these findings from our GAMES research project in a comprehensive white paper, which you can download here:
>>> Download the white paper here <<<
