Israel has set an ambitious target to ensure that all new vehicles on its roads are electric by 2030, a significant step towards reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. While the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) brings many 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 pressure on the grid due to increased demand for electricity. Increasing EV adoption requires a comprehensive assessment of existing infrastructure and its capacity to handle the increased load. Furthermore, the growing demand for charging stations puts additional pressure on an already strained infrastructure, requiring the development of thousands of charging points across the country. These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to support the EV revolution in Israel.
Addressing these challenges, Prof. Yael Parag, deputy dean of the School of Sustainability at Reichman University, is investigating various strategies to support the successful integration of EVs into Israel’s infrastructure. Pro. Parag, in collaboration with Dr. Ghassan Zuby and Dr. Shlomo Wald, recently published a groundbreaking report proposing a blockchain-enabled platform titled “Blockchain-Enabled PV2EV Platform in Israel”. The 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 power generation. Using 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 important research project titled “Grid Aware Mobility and Energy Sharing (GAMES)” funded by ERA-NET, Prof. Parag collaborated with researchers in Switzerland and Austria to explore public perceptions of shared EV fleets and identify potential business models that could benefit. Benefits of shared EV fleet and PV generation. This research aims to maximize the synergy between shared EV mobility and PV energy generation, providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to the widespread adoption of EVs.
Pro. Parag’s research initiative exemplifies Israel’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions. By examining strategies such as charging management, vehicle-to-grid technology, and coupling shared EV fleets with PV generation, Prof. Parag and his team are paving the way for a greener, more efficient transportation future in Israel and beyond.
As Israel moves towards its goal of an all-electric vehicle fleet, Prof. The work of Yale Parag and his colleagues highlights the importance of innovative research and collaboration in overcoming the challenges associated with EV integration. With its findings, Israel has the potential to become a leader in sustainable transportation and contribute to the fight against climate change.