Strategies for Encouraging Flexible Electric Vehicle Charging at Scale

(EVs), however, offer significant inherent flexibility that can be harnessed to reduce the need for additional generation and network capacity without compromising their primary transportation function.

Technical studies have demonstrated the potential of flexible EV charging –and, in some cases, discharging—to defer or avoid new infrastructure investments while improving grid operations.

EV flexibility can also act as a temporary “bridge to wires” solution, enabling the connection of new EV loads while grid reinforcements are planned and constructed. The critical challenge lies in determining effective methods for encouraging EV flexibility.

This paper examines and compares three distinct strategies to enhance EV flexibility: (a) securing flexibility upfront through grid connection agreements; (b) enabling voluntary participation by EV customers in pay-for-performance service products; and (3) implementing electricity pricing structures that better reflect actual grid conditions.