Simulating V2G Concept for optimized EV fleet charging in India

The transport sector is bound to play a huge role in the imminent transition to green energy. India has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 at COP26 and is committed to have 30% EV sales by 2030. The Indian government has been facilitating fleet electrification through initiatives like FAME–II. India’s EV market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 90% between 2022 and 2030. With this projection combined with climate targets, comes the anticipated exponential rise in renewable energy contribution to the national grid accompanied by a huge transport related demand for electricity. NITI Aayog – India’s public policy think tank along with Ministry of Power is already looking into expansion of EV charging infrastructure in India as part of smart grid implementation. Deployment of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology as extension of smart charging initiative is imperative in smooth transition to renewable energy. The possibility of bi-directional energy flow between EV battery and grid can be used to stabilize the grid demand curve during peak hours. This will also encourage usage of local energy sources like roof-top solar and further incentivize participation in frequency response service market as a source of revenue for end-users and charging point operators (CPOs). This study aims to quantify the benefits of load shifting strategies and dynamic tariffs with respect to V2G charging. An EV fleet at a charging point has been investigated. Certain data assumptions (outside current legislative purview) like start and target SoC, arrival and departure times of EVs have been made. Weather (e.g., Irradiation etc.) and market data wherever available from open-source platforms have been aggregated and used. Cost minima are achieved by a combination of peak shaving, roof-top solar self-consumption, and participation in energy markets. Relative to grid compliant charging, simulation results show a significant cost reduction with V2G smart charging algorithm.