Shaping the Future of Vehicle-Grid-Integration: Key Recommendations on New Policies and Regulation
This deliverable outlines a comprehensive set of policy and regulatory recommendations to accelerate the transition from unmanaged charging to smart, bidirectional Vehicle-Grid Integration (VGI). Experts from Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE) have combined energy market simulations for a 2030 Italian scenario with extensive expert feedback from the V2X Cluster, to identify actionable solutions to unlock EV flexibility. FLOW has mapped these recommendations among 15 distinct real-world use cases, including “behind-the-meter”, or “off-market”, which maximise the benefits for the final user through local optimization, and “market-based” or “aggregator-based” (offered to flexibility markets), providing a pathway for mass-market adoption.
While unmanaged charging concentrates demand during critical evening hours (5:00 PM to 10:00 PM), adopting smart strategies allows for the optimisation of charging periods. As shown, balanced charging reduces load peaks, dynamic pricing shifts demand to the cheapest energy hours, and active control increases charging when the grid load is at its minimum . Graphs illustrates the need to incentivise dynamic tariffs and smart charging infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Support Daytime Smart Charging: Policymakers should incentivize the installation of smart chargers in locations where EVs are parked during the day, particularly at workplaces and Park & Ride facilities, through fiscal support and legal obligations for new buildings.
- Adopt Dynamic Tariffs: Moving away from static pricing is essential. Tariff schemes must clearly differentiate prices to reflect grid conditions, offering very low prices during high renewable generation hours and significantly higher prices during peak grid demand.
- Harmonize Communication Protocols: To overcome closed setups and vendor lock-in, the industry must harmonize the implementation of communication protocols (like ISO 15118 and OCPP) for both smart and bidirectional charging, potentially enforced through a universal "certificate" for interoperability.
- Simplify Flexibility Markets: Aggregators (BSPs) need simpler market rules to effectively offer EV flexibility. This includes modifying entry limits, adjusting the duration of flexibility offers, and allowing market bidding closer to real-time to reduce uncertainty.
- Remove V2G Barriers: European and national regulations must be updated to eliminate double taxation in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) schemes and to harmonize grid codes, enabling seamless AC bidirectional charging across all European countries.
- Empower the EV Driver: Increasing user awareness and engagement is vital. Through collaborative efforts from OEMs, utilities, and service providers, drivers must be provided with transparent information and user-friendly tools (such as dedicated apps) to easily participate in flexibility schemes