BluWave-ai and EVInfo.net Release Whitepaper: “How AI Will Leverage Mass Adoption of EVs to Help, Not Break the Electric Grid”

The surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a pivotal shift in the global automotive industry. The incredible growth trajectory of EVs has greatly outpaced initial forecasts. This momentum is largely attributed to the availability of affordably priced long-range EV models, an awareness of their environmental advantages, and proactive governmental policies. Larger numbers of electric vehicles entering the market every year have caused great concern among electric power grid operators. Many operators are worried that the grid will be unable to handle all of the additional power needed for EV charging. Data-driven AI solutions from BluWave-ai use machine learning to solve this problem and provide other operations, such as forecasting demand and generation from renewables and optimizing the output of energy storage systems. BluWave-ai and EVInfo.net’s whitepaper: “How AI Will Leverage Mass Adoption of EVs to Help, Not Break the Electric Grid,” gives comprehensive details on the related problems and solutions.

Worldwide growth of the EV sector is moving fast

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), EVs constituted 14% of all new cars sold worldwide in 2022, a distinct increase from the 9% reported in 2021. The markets spearheading EV adoption are China, Europe, and the United States, with China accounting for 60% of worldwide EV sales. European sales of EVs summed up to 25% of all cars sold in 2022. Meanwhile, the United States saw a 55% increase in EV sales in 2022, attaining an 8% share of all car sales.

A dire need for a cleaner electricity supply

The transformation of the transportation sector to clean energy forms a significant segment of the ongoing global energy transition, aimed at diverting from greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels towards more sustainable options. Central to this transition is the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to offset the usage of coal, oil, and gas for energy production. Electric vehicles are anticipated to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions, but this is contingent on the energy they consume being cleaner than the gasoline and diesel alternatives they are replacing. Hence, to cater to the burgeoning demand for EVs, we need not only to augment our energy supply but also to ensure that this additional energy stems from renewable sources.

Matching generation with demand

Unlike fossil-fueled power stations, which can be fired up quickly to meet energy demands at short notice, renewable energy is not as readily available: it depends on the weather, such as the wind available to turn turbines and the solar energy making it to solar panels through clouds and precipitation. This presents a significant challenge for electricity system operators, who need to balance the supply of energy with its demand. Not only is the supply at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions but there is also the possibility that it may not be available in sufficient quantity when needed. Thus, the successful integration of EVs into our transport systems hinges heavily on addressing these supply-side challenges in the energy sector.

There is an urgent need to manage the peaks in demand

A recent study conducted by McKinsey & Company indicates that as EV penetration reaches 25% in the US, it will result in a 30% surge in peak electricity demand. This substantial increase will overload the existing transformers and grid infrastructure, necessitating the construction of enhanced infrastructure to manage the rising peaks. To maintain peak demand below the threshold at which the local and system-wide infrastructure would be overburdened, approximately US $1,700 to $5,800 per EV would need to be invested in grid upgrades through 2030. This projection is based on a study recently published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

A variety of solution approaches

The crux of the issue is the integration of mass EV adoption into distribution grids alongside an increase in renewable energy usage. This involves mitigating the heightened peak demand. While it’s beneficial to enforce conservation measures, the rising consumer requirement for electricity necessitates sufficient generation and supply to meet transport needs. This either involves shifting energy so it’s consumed in a manner that reduces peak demand or constructing infrastructure capable of managing these peaks. For utilities and system operators, potential solutions include building adequate capital infrastructure and peak generation capacity, instituting large-scale energy storage, or managing EV charging demand along with other loads to shift the energy consumption pattern within the system.

Active EV charging management will help

Another approach to tackle this issue involves managing the charging times of EVs with smart charging, shifting energy usage away from peak periods to balance demand and support the grid’s stability. Essentially, if an EV can be charged outside of peak hours yet still meet the driver’s needs, it could significantly alleviate the demand pressure. From a demand perspective, EVs can be viewed as battery energy storage systems on wheels with intermittent grid connections. While individual EV batteries are considerably smaller than large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and their primary purpose is to power the vehicle, the aggregate capacity of millions of EVs connected to the electricity systems will be significant. This approach could unlock a new dimension of demand flexibility, turning a challenge into an opportunity for energy system optimization.

How AI will help

The AI approach involves making accurate predictions influenced by varying weather conditions, the dynamic behavior of numerous participants, and factors in a complex system that is always in flux. It also requires finding optimal solutions to schedule charging amid the participation of millions of consumers, diverse and interconnected generators, and network operators, all within the constraints of the active distribution grid.

This problem is well-suited to data-driven AI due to its complexity, which goes beyond the capability of rules-based or fixed algorithmic solutions or control by human operators. As the system is dynamic and behavior evolves based on the actions of numerous participants, it is crucial to consider the changing levels of activity and the positioning of chargers and vehicles. Machine learning models underpinning AI approaches automatically learn from system behavior and multiple data inputs to find optimal solutions without the need for human intervention. BluWave-ai and EVInfo.net’s whitepaper: “How AI Will Leverage Mass Adoption of EVs to Help, Not Break the Electric Grid,” gives detailed information on how AI can help the grid accommodate the increasing numbers of EVs every year.

About BluWave-ai

BluWave-ai, a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and cloud-based super-computing, was established in Ottawa, Canada, in 2017. Their mission is to innovate and promote advancements in the realm of distributed renewable energy. The firm aims to drive the transition from a centralized, carbon-based energy model to one where clean energy can be produced and efficiently consumed by essentially anyone, anywhere. This transition is facilitated by the use of advanced real-time computing to optimize the generation and consumption of energy.

In 2022, the company launched its ‘EV Fleet Orchestrator’ and ‘EV Everywhere’ SaaS products. These products were designed to address vehicle fleet electrification and optimize grid support. In addition to this, the company was awarded a $4.8M project for EV Everywhere in collaboration with utility Hydro Ottawa. This project was co-funded by Ontario’s system operator (IESO) and received support from the Ontario Energy Board.

BluWave-ai further expanded its global footprint by signing an agreement to deploy its EV Fleet Orchestrator with the Dubai Taxi Corporation to optimize energy use and revenue. With customers spread across three continents and products operating under multi-year SaaS contracts, BluWave-ai continues to be a formidable player in the energy sector.

EVinfo.net partners with BluWave-ai

EVinfo.net is proud to partner with BluWave-ai on this whitepaper. We are very impressed with the company’s commitment to use advanced real-time AI to advance the efficiency of renewable energy and electric vehicle charging around the globe. The company’s mission and goals align with our own, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the global fight against climate change.

Download BluWave-ai and EVInfo.net’s whitepaper: “How AI Will Leverage Mass Adoption of EVs to Help, Not Break the Electric Grid.”