Battery Electric Vehicles for the Provision of Short-Term Flexibility - An Overview of the Potentials for Germany and Korea

Keywords: Battery Electric Vehicles, Flexibility, Demand Response, Energy Transition, Korea, Germany   | Study published: April 2024 

Renewable energy and electromobility play central roles in the energy transition and decarbonization of the transport sector. This study highlights potentials of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a flexibility option in the power systems of Germany and Korea. Both countries have set ambitious goals to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 and 2050 and aim for a high penetration of BEVs in their transport sectors. This study provides an overview of the status and potential of BEVs to offer flexibility in power grids, identifying mutual learning opportunities and best practices. The investigation demonstrates how BEVs can contribute to grid stability through smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Additionally, it showcases policy frameworks and measures necessary to effectively utilize these technologies. With a particular focus on the challenges and progress of both countries, the study offers recommendations for German-Korean cooperation to promote grid flexibility and ensure the efficient grid integration of BEVs. The aim is to advance discussions on the role of BEVs in decarbonization and emphasize the importance of international collaboration in this area. 

For Korea and Germany, grid flexibilization and the managed grid integration of BEVs can be a key resource to balance the grids of the future and secure a cost-effective and stable integration of renewables into the grid.