Given the usage of large scale renewable energy sources to overcome the shortages of classical fossil fuels, along with the decarbonisation of energy production particularly in transportation, electric vehicles are emerging as the main option for countries to offset their GHG contribution. There are many technical, social, and commercial challenges associated with the integration of these two technologies. Firstly, the routine of using (and hence charging) electric vehicles is driven by customer needs as a trade off with the grid requirement in the absence of the customer incentives. Secondly, the RES intermittence nature does not always match the demand in the electric grid, which is what is driving the need for energy storage technology. Thirdly, overloading and voltage problems are expected in the distributed network due to high penetration of RES and EVs is another research problem. To overcome the above challenges, integration of smart EVs charging techniques that support the grid and maximise the benefits of RES would be an excellent solution, resulting in net-zero emissions. This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in technology for EVs charging schemes that reduce the degradation of the EV batteries that support its use as ancillary service provider to the grid with the consideration of high penetration of RES. It includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: Power electronic converter for (DC) charging of EVs with bidirectional capability; Investigation of the synergy between RES and EV charging demand; Power management techniques for EV/RES systems to reduce grid congestion; Intelligent systems for optimal sizing, location, and control of EVs as energy storage to enhance the voltage profile and relive grid loadings; Charging electric vehicles from RES in microgrids.
Keywords: electric vehicles charging; distributed energy resources; V2G, V2H, V2B, V2L; energy storage systems; artificial intelligence techniques; intelligent energy management of electrical power systems.