Electric vehicles represent an opportunity to improve the efficiency of the energy system

In addition to replacing fossil fuels with electricity, electric vehicles offer flexibility to the electrical system thanks to the ability of users to manage the demand for electric vehicles according to their needs. So vehicles are charged when electricity prices are lower, or when they receive signals from the electrical system.

Electric vehicles are already a reality in our country, with a moderate presence in terms of the number of vehicles but with very significant growth rates. Red Eléctrica is seeking to anticipate the future and respond to some of the challenges presented by the mass adoption of electric vehicles.

Yes, we are ready for electric vehicles

The transmission grid and system operation are ready for the mass incorporation of electric vehicles. In the long term, Red Eléctrica will have to develop new tools for the integration of electric vehicles, in more complex scenarios, because of the variability of renewable energy and the involvement of multiple new agents both from the energy generation and demand sides.

The electrical system must make it possible for electric vehicles to be charged whenever their users wish to do so.

1. Overnight Charging. This is the natural time for electric vehicles to charge because this is when they are not being used. It is the efficient way of charging them, allowing users to take better advantage of the infrastructures of the electricity sector and lower electricity prices.
2. Opportunity Charging. This is when vehicles are charged in public spaces or electrical charging corridors in order to meet their specific charging needs.
3. Charging at Work. This allows users to charge their vehicle at work, during their working day.

Advantages of smart charging.

• Charging during off-peak hours will allow the demand curve to be levelled off.
• It will optimise the use of existing electricity generation infrastructures and networks.
• It will improve the integration of renewable energies.

Other advantages of electric vehicles:

• Reduction of CO₂ emissions
• Less dependence on foreign fossil fuels
• Improvement of air quality and noise in cities

And in the future...

Electric vehicles will offer distributed energy storage services, allowing any energy stored overnight to be channelled back into the mains grid, at times of peak demand.

Electric mobility; crucial to the energy transition

The electrification of transport is key to the decarbonisation of the economy by 2050. The transport sector is responsible for 35% of national greenhouse gas emissions as well as the deterioration of air quality and noise levels in populations.

The solution for the decarbonisation of the sector is electric mobility because it eliminates combustion in the various modes of transport by replacing fossil fuels with electricity. The contribution of electric mobility to decarbonisation is such that, without it, there simply is no energy transition.

We are moving towards the city of the future with the help of electric vehicles

Smart cities are offering citizens new solutions, facilitated by new information and communication technologies that improve quality of life for their inhabitants. One of these solutions is electric mobility.

The triple benefit of electric mobility in cities:

1. Decarbonisation.  Electric vehicles are the solution for decarbonising the transport sector, which represents 35% of greenhouse gases, and thereby contributing to the fight against climate change.
2. Health. The introduction of electric vehicles, by eliminating the emission of combustion gases in cities, has a positive effect on the health of their inhabitants.
3. Less noise pollution. Electric vehicles help to reduce noise levels.