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Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles
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Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles

A Special Issue of World Electric Vehicle Journal (ISSN 2032-6653).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2025) | Viewed by 30746

Editors

Dr. Gregorio Cappuccino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Computer, Modeling, Electronics, and Systems Engineering, Università della Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: battery-powered vehicles; secondary cells; battery chargers; computer-aided instruction; computer science education; electric vehicle charging; electric vehicles; energy storage; engineering education; environmental factors; government policies; load dispatching; modules; portals; power distribution economics; power system management; recycling; scheduling; smart power grids; student experiments; traction; CMOS integrated circuits; operational amplifiers; switched capacitor networks; circuit simulation
Dr. Giovanni Pede

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
ENEA, S. Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy
Interests: emission environmental; engineering mechanical; engineering power; electronics; electric vehicles; lithium ion batteries; power converters; energy storage; renewable energy technologies; energy management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The World Electric Vehicle Journal invites researchers and experts in the field of electric vehicle technology, energy management, and smart grid solutions to contribute to a Special Issue focusing on "Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles”.

As the electrification of the transportation sector gains momentum, the efficient charging of PEVs and their seamless integration with the electrical grid have become crucial challenges. This Special Issue aims to explore innovative research, methodologies, and practical solutions related to smart charging strategies for PEVs. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Time-of-use (TOU) charging and pricing mechanisms to encourage off-peak charging.
  • Demand response programs and their impact on grid stability and PEV owner benefits.
  • Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and its potential for grid support and revenue generation.
  • Optimized charging schedules based on grid conditions and renewable energy availability.
  • Load balancing strategies for the even distribution of charging loads.
  • Grid integration and real-time communication between charging infrastructure and the grid.
  • Peak shaving techniques to reduce grid stress during peak demand.
  • Bi-directional communication between vehicles, charging stations, and grid operators.
  • Dynamic pricing and its role in encouraging grid-friendly charging habits.
  • Incentives and rebates to promote participation in smart charging programs.
  • Data analytics for improving charging strategies and grid management.
  • Interoperability and user-friendly interfaces for seamless PEV charging experiences.
  • Emergency service priority during grid disruptions or emergencies.
  • Charging strategies for E-buses and electric heavy machinery.
  • Public awareness and education campaigns to promote the benefits of smart charging for PEVs.

Authors are encouraged to submit their original research papers, reviews, and case studies.  All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and relevance of the content.

This Special Issue provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation and grid management. Join us in addressing the challenges and opportunities related to smart charging strategies for PEVs.

Dr. Gregorio Cappuccino
Dr. Giovanni Pede
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. World Electric Vehicle Journal is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vehicle-to-grid
  • plug-in electric vehicle
  • smart power grids
  • charging strategies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 3856 KB  
Article
Electric Bus Depot Charging in South Africa: Lessons for Grid Integration
by Praise George-Kayode, Halloran Stratford and Marthinus Johannes Booysen
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(11), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16110627 - 18 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1787
Abstract
Uncontrolled charging of large electric bus fleets can strain constrained power grids, such as South Africa’s. This study develops and evaluates a demand-oriented charging strategy for Golden Arrow Bus Services using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model calibrated with real operating data. The [...] Read more.
Uncontrolled charging of large electric bus fleets can strain constrained power grids, such as South Africa’s. This study develops and evaluates a demand-oriented charging strategy for Golden Arrow Bus Services using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model calibrated with real operating data. The model schedules fleet charging over an off-peak window to minimise the highest total demand charge (Notified Maximum Demand, NMD) while respecting arrival state of charge (SOC), Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs, and ensuring all vehicles are fully charged before dispatch. Compared to the unmanaged baseline, the optimised schedules reduce the peak demand charge by 17%, keeping total depot demand below 1 MW and ensuring full fleet readiness. The strategy also eliminates all energy consumption during expensive peak-tariff windows in both winter and summer. Further analysis shows that raising the minimum arrival SOC reduces the required optimum per-bus demand approximately linearly (≈1.5 kW per +5% SOC), whereas widening the SOC arrival range increases demand variability. This MILP framework demonstrates that exploiting SOC diversity and modest charge capacity capping can significantly lower peak demand and operational costs, offering a validated model for depots in other capacity-constrained power systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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26 pages, 429 KB  
Article
Dynamic Horizon-Based Energy Management for PEVs Considering Battery Degradation in Grid-Connected Microgrid Applications
by Junyi Zheng, Qian Tao, Qinran Hu and Muhammad Humayun
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(11), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16110615 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
The growing integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) into microgrids presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services. This paper proposes a dynamic horizon optimization (DHO) framework with adaptive pricing for real-time scheduling of PEVs in a renewable-powered microgrid. The system [...] Read more.
The growing integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) into microgrids presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services. This paper proposes a dynamic horizon optimization (DHO) framework with adaptive pricing for real-time scheduling of PEVs in a renewable-powered microgrid. The system integrates solar and wind energy, V2G capabilities, and time-of-use (ToU) tariffs. The DHO strategy dynamically adjusts control horizons based on forecasted load, generation, and electricity prices, while considering battery health. A PEV-specific pricing scheme couples ToU tariffs with system marginal prices. Case studies on a microgrid with four heterogeneous EV charging stations show that the proposed method reduces peak load by 23.5%, lowers charging cost by 12.6%, and increases average final SoC by 12.5%. Additionally, it achieves a 6.2% reduction in carbon emissions and enables V2G revenue while considering battery longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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19 pages, 3368 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Electric Vehicle Charging Network Service Quality Considering User Satisfaction
by Shukang Lyu, Yi Pan, Huiyu Miao, Xiaodong Yuan and Fei Zeng
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16010017 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3551
Abstract
With the rapid development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, various issues, such as the suboptimal deployment of charging facilities and inadequate distribution, hinder improvements in user satisfaction with EVs. Moreover, the interests of multiple stakeholders, including power grid companies and transportation departments, [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, various issues, such as the suboptimal deployment of charging facilities and inadequate distribution, hinder improvements in user satisfaction with EVs. Moreover, the interests of multiple stakeholders, including power grid companies and transportation departments, are not sufficiently addressed. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation method for EV charging network service quality that integrates user satisfaction. First, considering the coupled dynamics of the EV charging network, we construct a service quality evaluation index system. Then, using a combination of the entropy weight method (EWM) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with game theory, we determine the composite weights for the index system. Finally, we use the improved R-method evaluation model to theoretically verify the charging network in a particular area. The results show that the evaluation method proposed in this paper realizes differentiated evaluation for different planning schemes, highlights the weak links in the operation process of the charging network, and provides a theoretical reference for decision making about charging station planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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19 pages, 3892 KB  
Article
Flexible Charging to Energy Saving—Strategies Assessment with Big Data Analysis for PHEVs Private Cars
by Natascia Andrenacci, Giancarlo Giuli, Antonino Genovese and Giovanni Pede
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050197 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3101
Abstract
In road transport, most vehicles today still rely on internal combustion engines. However, these engines have lower efficiency and generate higher pollution levels compared to electric motors. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the transition from conventional vehicles to electric ones. However, [...] Read more.
In road transport, most vehicles today still rely on internal combustion engines. However, these engines have lower efficiency and generate higher pollution levels compared to electric motors. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the transition from conventional vehicles to electric ones. However, the transition to an electrified road transport system is not without challenges. Among these, the impact that electric vehicle charging will have on the electricity grid is of particular concern. This paper analyzes different charging scenarios for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and proposes charging strategies to minimize their impact on the electricity grid. The analysis is based on a large dataset of trips in urban areas in Italy. The study shows that smart charging of PHEVs can be implemented to minimize the impact on the electricity grid. The implementation of optimized charging strategies can contribute to making PHEVs a valid, eco-sustainable alternative to conventional vehicles while also promoting the stability and efficiency of the electricity grid. The study aims to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the flexible charging strategy by comparing the common charging operation (first in–first out) with other, less impactful charging schemes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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40 pages, 31460 KB  
Article
Bill It Right: Evaluating Public Charging Station Usage Behavior under the Presence of Different Pricing Policies
by Markus Fischer, Wibke Michalk, Cornelius Hardt and Klaus Bogenberger
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(4), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15040175 - 22 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3233
Abstract
This study investigates for the first time how public charging infrastructure usage differs under the presence of diverse pricing models. About 3 million charging events from different European countries were classified according to five different pricing models (cost-free, flat-rate, time-based, energy-based, and mixed) [...] Read more.
This study investigates for the first time how public charging infrastructure usage differs under the presence of diverse pricing models. About 3 million charging events from different European countries were classified according to five different pricing models (cost-free, flat-rate, time-based, energy-based, and mixed) and evaluated using various performance indicators such as connection duration; transferred energy volumes; average power; achievable revenue; and the share of charging and idle time for AC, DC, and HPC charging infrastructure. The study results show that the performance indicators differed for the classified pricing models. In addition to the quantitative comparison of the performance indicators, a Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and a pairwise comparison using the Mann–Whitney-U test were used to show that the data distributions of the defined pricing models were statistically significantly different. The results are discussed from various perspectives on the efficient design of public charging infrastructure. The results show that time-based pricing models can improve the availability of public charging infrastructure, as the connection duration per charging event can be roughly halved compared to other pricing models. Flat-rate pricing models and AC charging infrastructure can support the temporal shift of charging events, such as shifting demand peaks, as charging events usually have several hours of idle time per charging process. By quantifying various performance indicators for different charging technologies and pricing models, the study is relevant for stakeholders involved in the development and operation of public charging infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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15 pages, 3580 KB  
Article
Design Analysis of High-Power Level 4 Smart Charging Infrastructure Using Next-Generation Power Devices for EVs and Heavy Duty EVs
by Tehseen Ilahi, Tahir Izhar, Muhammad Zahid, Akhtar Rasool, Kelebaone Tsamaase, Tausif Zahid and Ehtisham Muhammad Khan
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15020066 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6447
Abstract
Trending electric vehicles with different battery technologies need universally compatible and fast chargers. Present semiconductor technology is not suitable for designing high-power-rating converters. The increasing demand for high-capacity electric vehicle chargers requires efficient and optimum advanced material technology. This research presents next-generation material-based [...] Read more.
Trending electric vehicles with different battery technologies need universally compatible and fast chargers. Present semiconductor technology is not suitable for designing high-power-rating converters. The increasing demand for high-capacity electric vehicle chargers requires efficient and optimum advanced material technology. This research presents next-generation material-based smart ultra-fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure for upcoming high-capacity EV batteries. The designed level 4 charger will be helpful for charging future heavy-duty electric vehicles with battery voltages of up to 2000 V. The designed infrastructure will be helpful for charging both EVs and heavy-duty electric trucks with a wide range of power levels. Wireless sensor-based smart systems monitor and control the overall charging infrastructure. The detailed design analysis of the proposed charger using the Simscape physical modeling tool is discussed using mathematical equations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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Review

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31 pages, 2381 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Smart Electromobility Charging Infrastructure
by Idowu Adetona Ayoade and Omowunmi Mary Longe
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(7), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15070286 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9826
Abstract
This study thoroughly analyses Smart Electromobility Charging Infrastructure (SECI), exploring its multifaceted dimensions and advancements. Delving into the intricate landscape of SECI, the study critically evaluates existing technologies, integration methodologies, and emerging trends. Through a systematic examination of literature and empirical studies, the [...] Read more.
This study thoroughly analyses Smart Electromobility Charging Infrastructure (SECI), exploring its multifaceted dimensions and advancements. Delving into the intricate landscape of SECI, the study critically evaluates existing technologies, integration methodologies, and emerging trends. Through a systematic examination of literature and empirical studies, the article elucidates the evolving ecosystem of smart charging solutions, considering aspects including advancements in charging protocols. Additionally, the review highlights challenges and prospects in the SECI domain, providing insightful information for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers involved in the dynamic field of electromobility. Technical potentials, including functionalities and integration with the smart grid, have been thoroughly reviewed. An analysis is conducted on the effects of intelligent charging on power distribution systems and strategies to lessen these effects. This study also examines the development of intelligent charging algorithms, optimisation methods, and security analysis. This paper, therefore, contributes to fostering a more thorough comprehension of the current state and future trajectories of Smart Electromobility Charging Infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Charging Strategies for Plug-In Electric Vehicles)
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