Equity assessment of demand-side flexibility technologies in grid integrated transportation electrification

With the adoption of the 'Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener' and planned introduction of zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate from 2024, the energy and transport sectors in the UK are facing a paradigm shift and becoming increasingly interconnected. While transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is a key goal for decarbonisation of the transport sector, it will also
mean overall electricity demand will increase requiring higher grid capacity and electricity generation. Substantial changes to timing and scaling of demand peaks are also expected with emerging patterns of charging behaviour. To minimize negative impacts of EVs on grid stability, smart and flexible charging technologies including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) are seen as
promising solutions for smoothing electricity demand. These technologies aim to promote flexibility by enabling consumers to benefit from lower cost off-peak electricity for charging and sell unused power from car batteries back to the grid during times of peak demand or low renewable generation. Existing policy and research mostly focus on benefits on grid capacity and energy price surge avoidance. However, how benefits and potential disbenefits of smart and flexible charging technologies will be distributed across society is poorly understood.