Performance and energy consumption of electric vehicles used in microgrid management: Analysis of the real impact of ambient temperature

This article analyses the impact of ambient temperature on the performance and energy consumption of electric vehicles (EVs) within a smart microgrid that manages EV charging using unidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. With the growing adoption of EVs as a sustainable and efficient transportation alternative, it is necessary to optimize the use of their batteries to provide additional services to the power grid. This study explores the fundamental characteristics of EV batteries, their crucial role in EV operation, factors influencing energy consumption, and challenges related to battery degradation in the context of V2G technology. Conducted at the Centre for Renewable Energy Development (CEDER), this study assessed how ambient temperature affects EV performance and energy consumption. Results reveal that EV performance is optimal in warmer months, although this accelerates battery aging. Conversely, lower temperatures reduce efficiency and increase energy consumption, with higher usage in winter and lower in summer. The article concludes by identifying future research directions, such as advanced battery monitoring, optimizing charging strategies to consider degradation, and the economic analysis of battery wear in V2G systems. This study provides a comprehensive view of how environmental conditions and V2G technology implementation impact the lifespan, performance, and range of electric vehicles.