The Evolution of Plug-In Electric Vehicle-Grid Interactions

TLDR

Mass‑market plug‑in electric vehicles are poised to enter major markets by 2011, creating new interactions among manufacturers, utilities, and suppliers with diverse business models and regulatory environments. The paper surveys PEV technology trends and related factors to outline future PEV‑grid interactions. By analyzing these factors, the authors synthesize a likely scenario for PEV‑grid interaction over the next decade.

Abstract

Over the past decade key technologies have progressed so that mass-market viable plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are now set to reach the first of many major vehicle markets by 2011. PEV-grid interactions comprise a mix of industries that have not interacted closely in the past. A number of these commercial participants have utilized the same basic business model for nearly a century. The various participants include vehicle manufacturers, utilities, and supplier firms who have radically different business models, regulatory and legal environments, geographical scope, and technical capabilities. This paper will provide a survey of PEV technology trends and other factors. From an analysis of these factors this paper synthesizes and provides a likely scenario for PEV-grid interaction over the next decade.