Israel's Ambitious Plan for Electric Vehicles: Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Prof. Yael Parag Leads the Way in Research to Support Electric Vehicle Adoption in Israel
By : Tamara Mizroch
Israel has set an ambitious goal to ensure that all new vehicles on its roads will be electric by 2030, marking a significant step towards reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. While the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) brings forth numerous benefits, the integration of these vehicles into the country's electricity grid poses several challenges that need to be addressed.
One of the primary concerns is the potential strain on the grid caused by the increased demand for electricity. The surge in EV adoption necessitates a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure and its ability to handle the heightened load. Moreover, the growing demand for charging stations puts additional pressure on the already strained infrastructure, requiring the development of thousands of charging points throughout the country. These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to support the EV revolution in Israel.
Addressing these challenges head-on is Prof. Yael Parag, deputy Dean at the School of Sustainability at Reichman University, who is investigating various strategies to support the successful integration of EVs into Israel's infrastructure. Prof. Parag, in collaboration with Dr. Ghassan Zubi and Dr. Shlomo Wald, recently published a groundbreaking report proposing a blockchain-enabled platform called "Blockchain-Enabled PV2EV Platform in Israel." This platform aims to enhance grid management and improve the economic efficiency of EV charging by leveraging locally-generated solar power.
The blockchain-enabled platform offers a promising solution by enabling seamless coordination between the electricity grid, EV charging infrastructure, and photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generation. By utilizing blockchain technology, this innovative platform ensures transparency, security, and reliability in managing the flow of electricity, thus optimizing EV charging with locally-generated clean energy.
In another significant research project called "Grid Aware Mobility and Energy Sharing (GAMES)," funded by ERA-Net, Prof. Parag collaborates with researchers from Switzerland and Austria to explore public perceptions of shared EV fleets and identify potential business models that can leverage the benefits of shared EV fleets and PV generation. This research aims to maximize the synergies between shared EV mobility and PV energy generation, offering a sustainable and cost-effective approach for the wider adoption of EVs.
Prof. Parag's research initiatives exemplify Israel's commitment to pioneering sustainable transportation solutions. By investigating strategies such as charging management, vehicle-to-grid technology, and the coupling of shared EV fleets with PV generation, Prof. Parag and her team are paving the way for a greener, more efficient transportation future in Israel and beyond.
As Israel progresses towards its goal of an all-electric vehicle fleet, the work of Prof. Yael Parag and her collaborators highlights the importance of innovative research and collaboration in overcoming the challenges associated with EV integration. With their findings, Israel has the potential to become a leader in sustainable transportation and contribute to the fight against climate change.
