Three-Level Methodology for Secure and Efficient Grid Integration of Electric Vehicle

Abstract

The secure integration of electric vehicle (EV) plays a key role in the energy transition through a resilient and decarbonised economy. However, a massive EV penetration means a rise in electricity demand with negative consequences to the distribution systems (voltage drops, branches congestion, etc) if the charging infrastructure is not cybersecure and does not perform smart charging mechanisms. Furthermore, these new infrastructures and their operating procedures provide new chances to cyberattacks to be performed, aimed at either exploiting those grid vulnerabilities or acquiring some user’s private information. Therefore, to ease the secure integration of EV charging infrastructures in the future network, this paper presents a three-level actuation methodology for charging infrastructures, which includes active management of EV supply equipment (EVSE) to allow dynamic control of charges, installation of ancillary protection systems, planning of EVSE’s location within the distribution system and cybersecure management of the whole infrastructure. The presented methodology is based on a thorough analysis of the possible cyberattacks that may occur during the transactions of the charging process, as well as tests carried out on a real pilot, which demonstrate the possible impacts that an uncontrolled charging of the EV can have on the distribution network, thus identifying the vulnerabilities of the distribution network. Keywords: Smart Grid, electrification, electric vehicle, charging station, Charge point operator, cybersecurity, smart charging.