Forecasting issues for managing a portfolio of electric vehicles under a smart grid paradigm

In order to participate in the electricity market, electric vehicles (EV) need to be aggregated by a market agent, since the current rules do not allow the participation of small loads. The EV aggregator purchases electrical energy for charging its clients, and can offer reserve services. This activity requires forecasting methods for several variables. This paper presents a global view of the relevant variables for an EV aggregation agent participating in the electricity market and discusses the associated forecasting issues. The load forecast problem for direct and indirect control of the EV charging process is discussed. Variables from the market-side, such as reserve price and direction, are also addressed. Existing approaches are reviewed, discussed and tested according to different metrics.