Electric Vehicle Charge Management for Lowering Costs and Environmental Impact

Abstract

As the number of electric vehicles is increasing, there is a pervasive call for research and new strategies in the field of vehicle grid integration. Using electric vehicle real-time data, drivers' spatial behavior and patterns can be derived for their morning and evening commute. These patterns combined with dynamic electricity costs, wholesale and retail, and variable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lead to significant outcomes on savings and environmental impact. In this study, electric vehicle charging management is analyzed for the case of north California, using real world data. The study provides insights about driving behaviors, charging decisions, electricity prices, and environmental impact, while the methodology can be applied in other areas. Results show a) north California regions that need special attention in terms of charging decisions in order to reduce wholesale electricity prices, b) temporal findings for utility electricity price reduction with PM hours the most important slots, and c) possibilities for environmental impact mitigation.