Compatibility of EV charging infrastructure with the grid. Issues and challenges

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, and as a result, the demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure has risen. While EVs provide numerous benefits, such as reduced emissions and lower fuel costs, the compatibility of EV charging infrastructure with the grid poses significant issues and challenges.

Interoperability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electric vehicles refers to the compatibility of the grid, charging network, charging station, and EV, which are vital components of charging infrastructure with the supporting software system that allows all the components to work effectively and seamlessly. This article will discuss the challenges and issues related to the compatibility of EV charging infrastructure with the grid.

Benefits of interoperability

Interoperability brings numerous benefits, including simplifying billing and payment for the EV owner, maximizing access to the EV charging station, promoting effective V2G communication for demand response and smart charging, and avoiding the EVSE owner getting locked into a single network. To achieve interoperability between EV and EVSE, ISO 15118 should be integrated with EVSE and EV.

Compatibility among different connectors

Electric Vehicles in different regions have different sockets due to manufacturing standards. All the internationally available charging connectors and the EV charging socket they are compatible with are represented in Table 5.1. All the charging connectors except Type 1 and Type 2 are only compatible with specific EV charging sockets. CCS charging is compatible with Type 1, Type 2, and CCS connectors.

Role of the standard

Standardization would enable both consumers and the system to function fluidly and efficiently. Currently, in the USA, several different plug adapters are being used, which hinders interoperability. Issues with conflicting standards and approaches still exist and they include charger to network communication, vehicle to charger communication, open access and payment, and network to network communication.

Open Access and Payment

Ability to pay and use any charging station without requiring any special membership or account will immensely increase the interoperability from the consumer side. For example, in the Netherlands, a single RFID card is used for all public charging stations.

Data communication protocols/standards

The Data Communication protocols/standards with Electric Vehicle Communication Controller (EVCC) and Supply Equipment Communication Controller (SECC) need to be installed in the EV charging infrastructure for effective and seamless interoperability.

Conclusion

The compatibility of EV charging infrastructure with the grid is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. Interoperability is vital to ensure that EVs can be charged seamlessly at any charging station, regardless of the manufacturer. Standardization and the installation of data communication protocols/standards are necessary to promote effective V2G communication and open access and payment. With these measures in place, we can ensure the success of the EV market and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.