A conceptual framework to integrate electric vehicles charging infrastructure into the electric grid

Abstract

The Electric Vehicle (EV) market is one of the most rapidly changing and fastest growing high-tech sectors in the United States. The relatively small number of large-scale public vehicle-charging stations makes recharging electric vehicles problematic, if not impossible at times. Decisions on making more charging stations are not as simple as simply opening more stations. This study aims at addressing “How to properly integrate EV charging infrastructure into the electricity system and deliver net benefits to the consumers?” To answer the research question, we have searched the background literature, conducted semi-structured interviews to develop a conceptual framework for decision-making that caters to EV owners/drivers, as well as to utilities. The utility and novelty of the solution is important to emphasize as the driving factors for this project. By developing a conceptual framework for decision making that previously didn’t exist, a great amount of time is reduced for both the developers who are interested in finding the optimal locations and the utility companies who are interested in integrating the EV charging infrastructure into the electricity system in ways that deliver net benefits to utility customers, shareholders, vehicle owners, and society at large.