Electric vehicles (EVs) are integral to achieving zero-emission mobility and energy transitions. As EV market shares rise globally, demand for electricity increases too, and technologies that enable ‘smart,’ or managed, charging are needed to ensure electric transport is integrated beneficially into power grids.
Smart charging infrastructure shifts charging times so they are more advantageous for end-users and electric grids. It saves consumers money, contributes to efficient and resilient energy networks, and increases the use of renewable energy sources. Smart charging is essential for lowering transport sector emissions, facilitating flexible grids, and accelerating the energy transition.
Since January 2023, RAP and ICCT have been elevating the importance of smart charging policies and technology across the four largest, and most influential, EV markets in the U.S, China, India, and Europe. The joint project team has produced new and unique evidence that clearly demonstrates its economic and environmental benefits. Now, policymakers and stakeholders are increasingly aware of how important it is to begin integrating this charging infrastructure for EVs ranging from passenger cars to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
In June 2024, the team produced a case study for the state of Colorado showing that the savings from optimized EV charging can unlock significant grid value, including lowering the cost of new system investments and increasing key technology deployment that can help reach lower emissions targets. During a presentation of findings, Colorado energy officials indicated they are likely to use the study to inform future policy making.
This work also inspired ongoing discussions at the federal level with the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, visible in their strategy on vehicle grid integration.
The project team has showcased analysis demonstrating the potential benefits of smart charging in China’s Zhejiang Province, a province where smart EV charging could help integrate renewables and displace coal generation. Additionally, RAP and ICCT modeling informed planners in Hainan province, the first and only Chinese province with a 100 percent EV sales target. Hainan plans to participate in the National Energy Administration’s pilot program that will further leverage innovative smart charging technology.
In India, the team leveraged research to provide expert inputs into ongoing policy consultations and to further improve key EV grid integration regulatory measures (including through targeted comment submissions). India’s National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) program (a government initiative) and the Central Energy Authority (CEA) have expressed interest in RAP and ICCT’s follow-up work to inform their future load forecasting, resource planning, and for electrifying key freight corridors—thus multiplying the estimated benefits that the current research has estimated for one Indian freight corridor.
In Europe, project research findings helped shape the first pan-European legislation on public EV charging so it will require new, smart charging points. RAP gave input into official EU Commission guidance in 2024 for local authorities on EV charging infrastructure buildout.
The team successfully fed into discussions that are helping shape the policy agenda of incoming EU decision-makers. Based on a presentation of findings, one EU Commission Climate Department expert remarked: “We need to ensure electric trucks stabilize the grid rather then destabilize it by getting pricing right. We should share this [intervention] with colleagues in the EU Commission’s Energy department.” Also in 2024, transport electrification and power grid upgrades are considered ‘key factors’ for the future of European competitiveness.
Findings are also being used to support a high-level, cross-country multi-stakeholder expert group led by Germany’s Economics Ministry promoting vehicle-to-grid integration in Europe (see joint group report).
Partnerships, like RAP and ICCT’s to support smart charging, leverage the varying expertises and experiences within the Crux Alliance to speed the design and adoption of impactful clean energy policy.
