Part of RAP & ICCT’s Benefits of EVs Through Smart Charging Global Project

As electric vehicle markets across the globe grow and mature, the challenge to ensure the smooth and effective integration of EVs into the power grid becomes more significant. Optimized or ‘smart’ charging of electric vehicles can save money on power grids, and generates multiple benefits for users, the power system and the environment. RAP in collaboration with the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) and local grid modellers conducted four case studies in key regions of the United States, Europe, India and China to estimate the economic and environmental benefits of smart EV charging.

In all four regions, our analysis shows that monetary savings could be generated by unlocking EVs’ flexibility potential via smart charging. Smart EV charging also helps to decrease reliance on fossil generation (e.g., coal power capacity) by displacing other expensive, emission-intensive generation sources, and improves the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

This global guide summarizes key insights from the four case studies and provides further policy recommendations per region. Read the complete regional guides here:

Unlocking System Savings with Flexible EV Charging: Lessons from Colorado

Optimising electric heavy-duty truck charging in India

Smoothing the way: Coaxing more flexible charging from China’s mammoth EV fleet

Savings from smart charging electric cars and trucks in Europe: A case study for France in 2040