Innovative Investigation of the Resilience of EV Charging Infrastructure Under Cyber-Physical Threats Based on a Real-Time Co-Simulation Testbed

Abstract

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has introduced significant vulnerabilities to cyber-physical threats, raising concerns about the resilience of both charging and smart power grid systems. This paper presents an innovative investigation into the resilience of EV charging infrastructure using a real-time co-simulation testbed, integrating both power network models and communication protocols such as IEC 61850. The study addresses gaps in existing research by implementing a realistic smart grid environment that incorporates EVs, charging stations and communication networks to simulate cyber-physical interactions. Key cyber-attacks, such as remote charging station status and configuration manipulations and their impact on it, are analysed in real-time simulations. Results show that even a relatively small attack utilising an IEEE 9-bus system with two EV charging stations can severely disrupt grid stability. The paper also explores various attacks targeting EV infrastructure, including charging stations, communication protocols, and management systems. The combined effects of cyber-attacks on power consumption and current variation highlight the critical importance of ensuring that charging infrastructure can adapt to sudden changes in demand while maintaining operational integrity.