Exploiting Plug-in Vehicles to enable better Management of Electricity Demands and Generation

Abstract:
The attributes of different plug-in electric vehicles and their drivers suggest various opportunities for taking advantage of off-peak periods for recharging. This paper investigates driver behaviour as described by National Travel Survey data supplied by the Department for Transport and together with electricity demand data supplied by National Grid. From knowledge of the capabilities of plug-in vehicles, their target users according to their manufacturers and the behaviour of prospective drivers, it becomes possible to match different drivers' travel patterns to different vehicles and recharging schedules. Exploiting these loads offers opportunities for using the electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure and improving electricity generation efficiency. This paper investigates the recharging needs of plug-in vehicles and how this can be used for load-levelling of the UK Electricity demand.