Managing the impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the power grid is crucial as we embrace the future of transportation. This challenge is where Smart Charging comes into play. It optimizes EV charging based on energy demand, costs, and network capacity. This approach benefits not only individual users but also energy providers and public infrastructures. Gireve, at the heart of new mobilities, is driving innovation in this space.
Between 2019 and 2023, Gireve collaborated with 11 partners on the aVEnir project to explore the use of public charging stations for local grid flexibility. In Europe, both TSOs and DSOs are working together to manage local flexibility, ensuring grid stability and efficiency.
What is Smart Charging?
Smart Charging optimizes EV charging by adjusting power levels and timing to align with grid capacity, electricity prices, and user needs. It aims to reduce charging costs for users while stabilizing the electrical grid, especially during peak demand.
For EV owners, this means charging when electricity is cheaper or when renewable energy production is highest. For energy networks, it means fewer demand spikes and smoother power distribution.
The different types of Smart Charging
Smart charging offers several solutions, each with unique benefits for different use cases:
- V1G (Unidirectional Charging) consists of modulating the charging power of an EVs over time, or even simply moving certain charging sessions. This makes it possible, for example, to optimise charging times according to the capacity of the grid connection and electricity prices. This benefits both grid operators (DSO/ TSO) by by avoiding overloading the grid; and charging infrastructure managers by enabling them to reduce their energy costs.
- V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) allows EVs to power homes, ideal for homeowners with solar panels and especially helpful during outages. It provides energy backup and reduces reliance on the grid, especially during high-cost periods.
- V2B (Vehicle-to-Building) supplies energy from EVs to entire buildings, reducing energy costs and preventing grid overloads. It’s especially useful in shared properties, powering common areas like hallways.
- V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) lets EVs feed energy back to the grid, aiding its stability. For businesses and fleets, it helps reduce energy costs, generate revenue during peak times, and support grid flexibility.
- V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) covers all bidirectional uses, helping balance supply and demand in residential, business, and public infrastructure settings, especially in remote areas or islands.
Compatibility for the future
The shift to Smart Charging requires compatible vehicles, intelligent charging stations, and secure data exchange between all stakeholders. The establishment of standards play a key role in the development of new mobilities, such as Smart Charging. For instance, the ISO 15118-20 standard, related to Plug & Charge, simplifies and secures communication between EVs and charges for a seamless and efficient charging process.
We are confident that with the right tools and partnerships, Smart Charging can play a pivotal role in the energy transition—lowering costs, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring a stable power grid.
Learn more
As we continue to explore the future of Smart Charging and its role in the energy transition, we took part in a round table organized with Wavestone. Find their article on smart charging and a recap of the discussions from the roundtable (in French).
Find our work on our dedicated Smart Charging page as well.
