摘要：SummaryWe employed an idealized macro-energy system model to examine how the value of unidirectionally- and bidirectionally-charging electric vehicles (EVs) varies with EV penetration and mix of electricity generators. We find that EVs can help wind and solar-based electricity generation systems to be less costly by making better use of power that would otherwise be curtailed and, potentially, by giving electricity back to the grid at times of peak net load. At low levels of EV penetration, bidirectional EVs are valuable because they can provide electricity at times of main load peak. At today’s low levels of EV penetration, bidirectional EVs stimulate investments in solar and wind generation and substantially reduce the need for grid-battery storage compared to unidirectional EVs. At high levels of EV penetration, generation capacity must be increased, and most peaks in main net load demand can be met by reductions in charging by unidirectional EVs.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce average generation costs for solar and wind systems•Unidirectional flexibly charging EVs can use underutilized generating capacity•Bidirectionally charging EVs can decrease need for added solar and wind generation•The marginal value of bidirectional EVs decreases with added unidirectional EVsEnergy resources; Energy policy; Energy systems; Energy management; Energy Modelling
