The “APE – Appunti di Energia” series continues with an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities related to the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into energy and mobility systems, within a European context aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. The rapid growth of low-emission vehicles and charging points, supported by ambitious policies, is leading to a significant increase in domestic electricity consumption, but also opens new prospects for grid flexibility.

 
The document, curated by Andrea Alberizzi from the Department of Energy Systems Development at RSE, explains that the real challenge is not just the battery or the vehicle’s range, but how vehicles absorb or return energy to the grid. This is where smart charging comes into play: today, most charging occurs in an unmanaged way, generating load peaks in the evening hours. Smart charging (V1G), on the other hand, allows for modulation of charging times and power, shifting consumption to the most favorable hours for the system, such as when demand is low or renewable production is high.  
 
A further step is represented by V2X, where energy can flow from the vehicle to the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G) or to the home (Vehicle-to-Home, V2H), turning the car into a mobile battery capable of providing flexibility services and new remuneration opportunities for the user.
 
RSE conducted a study using tools developed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and its own sMTSim software to simulate the impact of different charging strategies on energy markets. The simulations show that unmanaged charging leads to pronounced load peaks, while managed charging strategies (based on dynamic pricing or active control) distribute the load more evenly, reduce costs for users, and improve grid stability.  
 
The document also analyzes the different types of vehicles, charging opportunities (at home, at work, on the street, at destination, along the route), and strategies that allow consumption to be shifted to the most favorable time slots. It is emphasized that smart charging not only reduces costs and load peaks, but also promotes the penetration of renewables and participation in flexibility services, both for the transmission and distribution grids.  
 
The main challenges remain the lack of infrastructure, system interoperability, and user awareness. Expected developments include the spread of smart wallboxes, dynamic tariffs, and digital platforms for coordinated charging management.  
 
In conclusion, the intelligent integration of electric vehicles represents a strategic lever for the energy transition, promoting efficiency, sustainability, and an active role for users in building the energy system of the future.