The Evolution of Plug-In Electric Vehicle-Grid Interactions

Over the past decade key technologies have progressed so that mass-market viable plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are now set to reach the first of many major vehicle markets by 2011. PEV-grid interactions comprise a mix of industries that have not interacted closely in the past. A number of these commercial participants have utilized the same basic business model for nearly a century. The various participants include vehicle manufacturers, utilities, and supplier firms who have radically different business models, regulatory and legal environments, geographical scope, and technical capabilities. This paper will provide a survey of PEV technology trends and other factors. From an analysis of these factors this paper synthesizes and provides a likely scenario for PEV-grid interaction over the next decade.