The integration of electric vehicles in smart distribution grids with other distributed resources

Abstract This chapter deals with the problematics and opportunities introduced by the electric road vehicles in distribution grids. The first part pertains the description of electric road vehicles and their main characteristics, for example, energy and power, and the main features and issues of the alternating current and direct current charging infrastructures. The second part discusses about the impact of different types of charging infrastructures in primary and secondary distribution grids, considering the possible actions provided by the grid automation systems to mitigate this problem. Moreover, the methodologies for the planning of slow, quick and fast charging infrastructures for road electric vehicles will be presented. The third part is concerning the opportunity introduced by V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) charging infrastructures for using electric vehicles (EVs) to provide ancillary services and frequency regulation to smart distribution. At the end, the strong synergy between EVs and renewable energy sources will be discussed to make the transportation sector sustainable.