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Driving change: Analyzing the interplay of electric vehicle adoption and grid electrification in New England

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  • Freeman, Sergio
  • Agar, Ertan

Abstract

The integration of electric vehicles into the power grid presents both opportunities and challenges for the transition to sustainable energy. This study examines the effects of unidirectional and bidirectional electric vehicle charging in New England using a least-cost optimization model. It finds that in a 100 % unidirectional charging electric vehicle adoption scenario, annual electricity demand could increase by 42 % (∼50 TW-hours), necessitating dynamic load management and adjustments in time-of-use pricing. While this added demand underscores the need for cost-effective renewable and storage solutions, “vehicle-to-grid” technology emerges as a key strategy to manage peak loads, reducing costs by 35 % compared to “unidirectional charging one-way vehicle” and easing reliance on grid batteries. Despite benefits like enhanced system flexibility and reduced capacity expansion needs, “vehicle-to-grid” poses challenges, including battery degradation, which can be mitigated by second-life battery use. Balancing unidirectional and bidirectional charging strategies is essential for optimizing grid performance, minimizing costs, and advancing a sustainable energy future.

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  • Freeman, Sergio & Agar, Ertan, 2025. "Driving change: Analyzing the interplay of electric vehicle adoption and grid electrification in New England," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:314:y:2025:i:c:s0360544224038465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.134068
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