The synergy between electric mobility and renewable energy : the role of the electric car in future scenarios

In this report, the synergy between electric mobility and renewable energy is investigated. Therefore, different scenarios which differ in the future renewable energy supply and the amount of electric cars are constructed. For these futures, the renewable energy supply pattern and the electricity demand pattern were matched to determine the role of the electric car. The electric car can fulfil a role in matching supply and demand, but both the renewable energy supply and the share of electric vehicles should grow. The optimal charge time lies between 03:00 and 06:00, while the optimal discharge time lies between 18:00 and 21:00. The traffic intensity peaks during the optimal discharge time. When electric cars charge or discharge outside these optimal charge times, the effect of using the electric car as an electricity storage medium can be adverse. These criteria have strong implications on both a technical and a political level: to ensure optimal charging/discharging technical and political measures are required. The optimal charge/discharge moments are mainly determined by the pattern of the Dutch electricity load shape, because the offshore energy supply dominates the overall renewable energy supply in all scenarios. This pattern is constant throughout the day. If onshore electricity generation or solar power gain importance, the optimal charge/discharge might change completely. This study uses average supply/demand patterns to investigate the role of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle might fulfil a more crucial role in alleviating the extremes in renewable electricity production.