Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly gaining popularity as more affordable and capable models hit the market. Major automakers like GM, Ford, and Volkswagen are investing billions into new EV models and President Biden has set a goal for 50% of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2030.
This surge in EVs brings both exciting possibilities and potential challenges. Without proper management, large numbers of EVs charging could strain electricity grids. This is where smart charging comes in: using technology and incentives to optimize EV charging and smooth out demands on the grid.
We encourage you to explore our other related blog posts such as EV plug types and our coverage of smart charging.
What is Smart Charging and How Does it Work?
Smart charging uses communication technology to coordinate EV charging with grid conditions. The key is a smart charger that can exchange data and either modulate charging levels or respond to external signals. This allows integration with utilities to avoid overwhelming the grid during times of high electricity demand.
There are two main types of smart charging:
- Unidirectional or driver-driven smart charging – The driver can schedule charging times or levels through an app that communicates with the charger. This allows them to charge when electricity rates are low.
- Bidirectional or utility-driven smart charging – The utility can modulate charging rates and times across chargers to flatten demand spikes. Chargers can even return power to the grid during peak times as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
5 Key Benefits of Smart Charging
In both cases, smart chargers need to be linked to networks and leverage protocols like OpenADR that standardize communications between utilities, service providers, and chargers. This allows monitoring of electricity supply and prices in real time.
By charging during off-peak hours, drivers can take advantage of lower electricity rates. Utilities may also provide rebates or lower EV charging rates to incentivize off-peak usage. Utilities can reduce strain on the grid by modulating charging rates across thousands of chargers to flatten peaks. V2G can even dispatch power back to the grid from EV batteries.
