Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:19 am
A couple of observations. Well, maybe more like possibilities in the next decade:
An inexpensive AC charge controller that can communicate with home energy systems to arbitrage energy costs is currently available. Easy to install in any home environment and can pay for itself if you choose the right energy provider. Emerging bi-directional charge controllers will provide additional economic opportunities once EV manufacturers decide to have an upgrade of a bi-directional on-board charger - and warrant the battery under certain "smart charging" conditions. AC coupled nano-grids can be enhanced by this also.
DC fast charging (level 2+) may survive, but for those that must take longer highway trips and the charge networks are well established. Very expensive to install and maintain as they require 480 VAC installations. However, the DC protocols (level 1) are likely to be most valuable for DC coupled nano-grids (PV based) so that certain homes and most small business solar systems can use their vehicles as the battery energy storage for energy arbitrage. Also, they can then essentially go "off-grid" when needed for emergency/resiliency. SolarEdge (StoreEdge) and Pika Energy equipment support this scenario, but want to sell their own (expensive) energy storage. Again, "smart charging" will impose some limitations, but likely not serious.
As the electrical energy storage for EVs (whatever it might be) becomes larger, lighter and more accessible (V2X), it is possible that the grid's "duck curve" can be potentially eliminated - with renewables supported by EV energy actually providing a balance of day time energy with sufficient storage , then replenished by night time charging. Seems impossible, but if you do the math - absolutely not - as it has only to do with the number of EVs and their energy storage capabilities/usage.
2012 Leaf SL; 46,000 miles. Battery replaced November 1st, 2016.