Vehicle-to-grid charging in Phoenix to support power grid reliability under extreme heat

This research paper explores the integration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Phoenix, Arizona, highlighting its potential to alleviate the pressures placed on the electrical grid which are made worse by increasing temperatures. The analysis focuses on the relationships between summer temperatures, reliability of the power grid, and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities. Given Arizona’s vulnerability to extreme heat and the significant demand for cooling, this paper employs scenario planning to assess three potential futures for the summer of 2030. The scenarios range from the optimistic best-case scenario, where EV adoption and public awareness are on the rise, to the worst-case scenario which is characterized by stagnant EV adoption rates and decreased grid reliability. The findings suggest that while V2G technology has the potential to provide essential backup power during outages, its effectiveness is contingent upon increased public awareness and supportive regulations.