Abstract--There is much interest regarding the future possibilities -and risks -arising from integrating increasing numbers of plug-in vehicles with power system network operations, in particular demand-side management. There has been comparatively less enthusiasm directed towards addressing the question of what can and cannot be done with existing technology. This paper discusses what could be achieved and implemented using present technology only and a little innovative thinking -'recharging regimes' -and discusses the limitations of these approaches.
Plug-in vehicles are promoted for a number of beneficial reasons that encompass environmental, economic, social and political motivations. This paper is the first in a quartet of investigative arguments that considers sustainability and the role of the plug-in vehicle in the context of the question: are they worthy of being called a sustainable energy technology?This first paper reviews one of the motivational drivers behind changing fossil fuel use (People security) and the implementation of plug-in-vehicles and employs sociology, and psychology to demonstrate the worthiness of plug-in vehicles to be a sustainable energy technology. This is not a well-to-wheels analysis.I.
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