Electric Vehicles and Photovoltaic Energy Integration in Distribution Network

Dear Colleagues,

The global transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon energy system is accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources and electrified transportation. Among these, photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicles (EVs) represent two of the most dynamic technologies shaping the modern power landscape. Their increasing deployment in low-voltage distribution networks offers enormous potential for decarbonization and energy efficiency—but also presents new operational, technical, and regulatory challenges.

This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research and innovative technological solutions that enable the synergistic integration of electric vehicles and photovoltaic systems within distribution networks, with an emphasis on flexibility, stability, and optimal utilization of renewable generation.

The intermittent nature of solar energy and the stochastic behavior of EV charging introduce significant complexity in voltage regulation, congestion management, and network stability. The coordination of battery energy storage systems (BESS), vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, and advanced control strategies is crucial to mitigating these challenges and increasing the PV hosting capacity of low-voltage networks without requiring costly grid reinforcements.

Key topics include methods for coordinated operation of distributed energy resources, optimization of active and reactive power flows, and smart charging algorithms that exploit EV flexibility to support grid reliability. Contributions addressing forecasting techniques, optimization algorithms, power electronics control, and data-driven energy management are highly encouraged.

Recent research has demonstrated that integrating BESS and EVs as flexible resources can enhance the operational flexibility and resilience of the grid. Experimental and simulation-based studies reveal that properly coordinated battery systems can mitigate voltage deviations, reduce network losses, and maximize local PV utilization. Likewise, EVs operating in V2G or vehicle-to-home (V2H) modes can provide ancillary services, peak-shaving, and fast-frequency support. The interaction between these technologies is becoming central to the design of active distribution networks and prosumer-oriented energy systems.

This Special Issue welcomes studies on the following:

• Modeling and optimization of PV-EV integration in distribution networks;
• Hosting capacity assessment and enhancement techniques;
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and smart charging strategies;
• Energy storage system coordination and control;
• Power quality and stability in converter-dominated grids;
• Advanced forecasting and real-time management tools;
• Experimental validation and laboratory testbeds for integrated PV-EV systems;
• Policy, economic, and regulatory frameworks for renewable-based mobility.

By bringing together theoretical advances, simulation results, and experimental insights, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress and future trends in the field. It encourages multidisciplinary contributions linking power systems, control engineering, information technology, and energy policy to create resilient and intelligent electric grids.

Ultimately, the objective is to support the development of sustainable, flexible, and intelligent distribution networks capable of accommodating high shares of photovoltaic generation and electrified mobility—key enablers of the European Green Deal and global net-zero energy transition.

Prof. Dr. Danijel Topić
Dr. Tomi Medved
Prof. Dr. Goran Knežević
Dr. Edin Lakić
Guest Editors

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• electric vehicles
• photovoltaic systems
• distribution networks
• vehicle-to-grid
• battery energy storage systems
• renewable energy integration