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At least 19 records

The Design and Evaluation of Zero Trust Architecture for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: EVs @ Scale Series on EV Charging Station Cybersecurity

Implementing a zero trust architecture can significantly bolster the security of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. EV charging infrastructure includes numerous networked interfaces, each of which can present potential vulnerabilities. When these vulnerabilities are exploited, they can compromise the entire system, leading to severe operational and security risks. Zero trust is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," which helps manage the attack surface and limit the scope of any potential compromises. Fundamentally, this model ensures that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, is trusted by default. The design principles of zero trust include continuous verification, strict deny-by-default access controls, and micro-segmentation. Continuous verification ensures that every request is thoroughly checked, regardless of its origin. Strict access controls enforce the principle of least privilege, allowing users and devices only the minimum necessary access to perform their functions. Micro-segmentation involves dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments to prevent lateral movement in case of a breach. In the context of EV charging infrastructure, zero trust can be implemented through various strategies. For example, multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be required for engineers to access the management interfaces and control systems of charging stations. Real-time monitoring and analysis of network traffic can help detect and respond to anomalies. Systems that do not need to communicate with each other can be micro-segmented to enhance security. All communications should adhere to predefined policies to be permitted. Additionally, encrypting communications can protect sensitive information exchanged between chargers and management systems. This paper presents a zero trust architecture specifically designed for EV charging infrastructure. Implementing zero trust not only mitigates risks but also builds a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding and quickly recovering from cyber threats. The architecture addresses six defined security objectives. A comprehensive test plan is developed to assess the architecture against these objectives, and the results of the evaluation are reported. This approach is essential for maintaining the reliability and integrity of EV charging services in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable digital landscape. This is the first in a planned series of papers exploring the implementation of zero trust in EV charging infrastructure. Each paper will delve into different aspects and applications of zero trust, highlighting how various work processes and requirements can lead to distinct architectural designs. These architectures will be tailored to address specific security challenges and operational needs within the EV charging ecosystem, ensuring a robust and adaptable security framework.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Community Engagement Tips for EV Infrastructure Deployment

This Joint Office of Energy and Transportation help sheet provides tips for conducting community engagement to support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure planning and deployment. This document is a tool and an informative resource to be used in conjunction with other guidance. It is not intended to set policy or establish or replace any standards under state or federal law applicable to public notice or community engagement.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗

Cybersecurity for Fast Charging EV Infrastructure

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into electric grid operations can potentially leave the grid vulnerable to cyberattacks from both legacy and new equipment and protocols, including extreme fast-charging infrastructure. This paper introduces a co-simulation platform to perform cyber vulnerability analysis of EV charging infrastructure and its dependencies on communications and control systems. Grid impact scenarios through linkages to power system simulation tools such as OpenDSS and vehicle infrastructure-specific attack paths are discussed. An adaptive platform that assists with predicting and solving evolving cybersecurity challenges is demonstrated with a cyber-energy emulation that accelerates the analysis of cyberattacks and system behavior.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,POWER TRANSMISSION AND↗

EV Charging Infrastructure Energization An Overview of Approaches for Simplifying and Accelerating Timelines to Processing EV Charging Load Service Requests

The United States has seen significant growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, leading to increased demand for EV charging infrastructure. Over the past decade, EV charging infrastructure site developers, site hosts, and electric distribution utilities have navigated the process to integrate chargers onto the electric grid. Site developers and site hosts have raised the alarm that the integration process for high-powered EV charging projects does not meet the needs of the EV market for timeliness or cost. High-powered charging stations typically require a load service request or an agreement with the local utility to connect to the grid. The process of energizing a new high-powered charging site can be complex and time-consuming, often taking up to 2 years. This timeline is the result of current utility energization processes having been designed for construction projects that take longer to build (i.e., buildings). The specific challenges stem from various factors, including compartmentalization in application processes, the integration of EV charging process approvals with other distributed energy resources (DERs), and the need to ensure grid reliability. The energization process needs to evolve to meet the growing demand for high-powered EV charging. This white paper compiles information gathered through various conversations with key stakeholders, including utilities, utility regulators, EV charging operators, site developers, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) as well as through an extensive literature review. This document identifies the challenges and provides potential solutions to streamline the process of connecting EV charging infrastructure to the power grid in the United States, serving as a starting point for future conversations around these solutions. The solutions noted in this white paper require collaborative efforts among utilities, regulators, and EV charging infrastructure developers to streamline the grid connection process for EV charging infrastructure. They are broadly organized into four areas: 1. Increase data access and transparency: Develop automated load service request tools, integrate hosting capacity and load service request analyses, incorporate EV adoption forecasts, and provide transparency on the processing queue. 2. Improve energization processes and timing: Create fast-track options based on prescreening criteria, provide flexibility or phased approvals in the load service request/interconnection process, build internal knowledge within utilities about EV charging technologies, and provide standardized workforce training. 3. Promote economic efficiency: Right size distribution components to accurately reflect the load requirements of EV charging infrastructure, make proactive investments in grid infrastructure based on EV adoption forecasts and growth projections, and consider energy equity and environmental justice factors such as equitable access to EV charging when planning infrastructure. 4. Improve grid reliability and resilience: Use load management/power control systems (PCS) at EV charging stations, adopt and implement harmonized standards for communication protocols and information models between the EV charging and grid control infrastructure, and address cybersecurity considerations by implementing robust security measures and standards for EV charging infrastructure—with particular emphasis on clarifying the security requirements for the interface to the grid. The objective of the solutions proposed in this white paper is to accelerate the timeline and decrease costs associated with connecting EV charging infrastructure to the grid. Electric utilities, utility regulators, EV charging infrastructure developers, and site hosts will first need to understand which solutions are available in their service territory, and if warranted, which combination of solutions would support their specific needs. Through the successful implementations of solutions at scale detailed here, industry will demonstrate a new and innovative ecosystem where timely deployment and energization of EV charging infrastructure with greater grid resiliency and reliability is a reality.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

EV Charging Infrastructure Energization: An Overview of Approaches for Simplifying Processes and Accelerating Timelines to Processing EV Charging Load Service Requests

The United States has seen significant growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, leading to increased demand for EV charging infrastructure and electricity. Growth in electricity demand from EV charging, coupled with growth in other sectors like data centers and electrification of other sectors, is impacting electricity infrastructure and load service request processes after two decades of relatively flat electricity demand. While most electric vehicle charging occurs at home, enroute and depot charging for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, both using high-powered EV charging, are critical to meet electric vehicle operational needs. Over the past decade, EV charging infrastructure site developers, site hosts, and electric distribution utilities have navigated the process to integrate chargers onto the electric grid. Site developers and site hosts have expressed distress that the integration process for high-powered EV charging projects does not meet the needs of the EV market for timeliness or cost. High-powered charging stations typically require a load service request or an agreement with the local utility to connect to the grid. The process of energizing a new high-powered charging site can be complex and time consuming, often taking up to 2 years. This timeline is the result of current utility energization processes having been designed for construction projects that take longer to build (i.e., buildings). The specific challenges stem from various factors, including compartmentalization in application processes, the integration of EV charging process approvals with other distributed energy resources (DERs), and the need to ensure grid reliability. The energization process needs to evolve to meet the growing demand for high-powered EV charging. This white paper compiles information gathered through various conversations with key stakeholders, including utilities, utility regulators, EV charging operators, site developers, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) as well as through an extensive literature review. This document identifies the challenges and provides potential solutions to streamline the process of connecting EV charging infrastructure to the power grid in the United States, serving as a starting point for future conversations around these solutions.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Modeling Future Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure [Slides]

U.S. climate goals for economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 require rapid decarbonization of the light-duty vehicle fleet and plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to become the preferred technology for achieving this end. Considerable investments in public and private EV charging infrastructure will be needed to support widespread adoption, however, guidance is lacking on when, where, and what types of chargers will be needed. In this PLMA Load Management Dialogue session, researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discuss findings from a recent quantitative assessment of the charging network requirements to support high penetrations of light-duty EVs by 2030. The study produced multiple detailed network growth trajectories at the national, state, and local levels that serve as a guidepost for future planning. In addition, an overview of NREL's publicly accessible EV infrastructure tools and data sets, designed to support planning and decision-making for EV infrastructure stakeholders, is provided.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Sample Cybersecurity Clauses for EV Charging Infrastructure Procurements

This is the final version of PNNL-34373, with sponsor updates. The proposed sample cybersecurity clauses for EVCI procurements are designed to assist in managing the risk of cyberattacks that may degrade the safety, security, and reliability of EVCI. The sample clauses are intended to be tailored and incorporated into procurement specifications for equipment and services related to the National EV Infrastructure Formula Program deployments. Widespread adoption of the sample cybersecurity procurement language will integrate cybersecurity throughout the life cycle of the infrastructure.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure: Modeling Concepts & Techniques

This presentation offers an overview of key concepts and techniques for modeling global commercial EV charging infrastructure. We begin by comparing the unique needs of commercial vehicles with those of personal vehicles. Next, we delve into network design topics, including phased deployment of public infrastructure, port sharing across and within fleets, power requirements for en-route charging, and strategies for estimating depot charging availability. Finally, we outline the primary steps NREL follows in conducting an EV charging infrastructure needs assessment.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSI↗

Using Machine Learning to Understand Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Ownership in Burdened and Nonburdened Communities

Transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles (EHVs) for all communities is a pivotal step toward sustainable transportation and environmental conservation. This paper aims to understand the adoption of EHVs, focusing on burdened communities (BCs) in the United States. The EHV ownership-based analysis combines two datasets—behavioral data from the Puget Sound Regional Travel Survey integrated with BCs (Justice40) data covering transportation insecurity, environmental burden, social vulnerability, health vulnerability, and climate and disaster risk burden. After creating this unique database, descriptive analysis and modeling are used to analyze the data and predict EHV ownership in the future. Specifically, we use a new method that combines particle swarm optimization (PSO) with a stacking model named PSO-Stacking, which incorporates heterogeneous base learners of machine learning and deep learning. PSO applies a customized objective function to select the optimal hyperparameters for heterogeneous learners within the stacking model, effectively addressing challenges such as multicollinearity, data imbalance, nonlinearity, and overfitting. The proposed solution covers more accurate results than standard benchmark models for EHV ownership in BCs and non-BCs. In addition, the results of the PSO-Stacking method are explained using the local interpretable model-agnostic explanations technique. Results show a negative correlation between the BCs indicators, that is, higher transportation insecurity associated with lower EHV ownership. Furthermore, BCs have higher future climate risk scores, diesel particulate matter levels, and PM2.5 in the air than non-BCs because of higher conventional vehicle ownership. These communities are at higher risk and can benefit from electrification, EV infrastructure, and EV policies to address environmental challenges.

Aslam, Zeeshan [ORNL]↗

Enabling Seamless Integration of EV Charging Infrastructure with Weak Electric Grids

Widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for light, medium, and heavy duty (LD, MD, and HD) applications has gained significant interest. Based on ownership and user preferences, LD and local delivery MD EVs are typically connected to grid distribution networks whereas larger MD and HD EVs will be connected to distribution or even sub-transmission networks. Challenges with at-scale EVs and charging infrastructure supporting it include interoperability, distribution network upgrades, demand charges, power quality, voltage stability, etc. Based on real-world data, steady-state and dynamic assessments of LD EV adoption for weak distribution grids is presented.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Enabling Seamless Integration of EV Charging Infrastructure with Weak Electric Grids

Widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications has gained significant interest. Based on ownership and user preferences, light duty and local delivery medium-duty EVs are typically connected to grid distribution networks whereas larger medium duty and heavy-duty EVs are typically connected to distribution or even sub-transmission networks. Challenges with at-scale EVs and charging infrastructure supporting them include interoperability, distribution network upgrades, surge in demand charges, power quality issues, voltage stability, etc. Based on real-world data, steady-state and dynamic assessments of light-duty EV charging with a focus on DC Fast Charging (DCFC) for weak distribution grids is presented. Three main areas of contributions in this paper include - steady state and dynamic power quality measurements and assessments using real world data, transient assessments of light duty EV integration with weak distribution networks (IEEE 13 node feeder system) under grid-connected and microgrid modes, and formulation of an intelligent charging decision algorithm to enable an impact-minimal charging.

actionable intelligence↗

CHARGE-MAP: An integrated framework to study the multicriteria EV charging infrastructure expansion problem

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years has necessitated the development of effective charging infrastructures. However, charging infrastructure expansion is a multifaceted problem that requires careful consideration of the existing infrastructure, spatiotemporal distribution of charging demands, power-grid capacity, and budget constraints. Here, to approach this complex problem, we present CHARGE-MAP, a data-driven simulation-optimization framework, focused on ensuring meaningful charging experience for individual EV owners. CHARGE-MAP integrates three modules: an agent-based simulation module that estimates spatiotemporal distribution of charging demands by modeling EV adopter mobility and charging behavior; an optimization module that determines optimal new charging station/charger locations and capacities, while minimizing expected detour distances and wait-times with a limited number of new stations; and a power module that determines how to connect the stations to the power grid while maintaining its stability. Using the state of Virginia (consisting of 95 counties and 38 independent cities) as a case study, our results show that CHARGE-MAP can meet the demand of ~198,600 predicted EVs with 1,305 new public charging stations and 2,164 new chargers. It reduces average detour distances for charging by 66% and wait-times at stations by 72% compared to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, transformer capacity requirement analysis reveals that only 1.8% of residential transformers require upgrades, while over 80% of commercial charging locations can be supported with modest transformer infrastructure (25 to 50 kVA). This indicates that targeted investments can facilitate cost-effective EV integration. Consequently, CHARGE-MAP provides policymakers and urban planners with crucial data-driven insights for effective EV charging infrastructure expansion. Sign up for PNAS alerts.

charging infrastructure↗

Exploring the Adoption Challenges of Post-Quantum Cryptography in EV Charging Infrastructure

The rapid evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology and the corresponding growth of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) brings to light significant cybersecurity concerns, notably in the context of emerging post-quantum computing capabilities. This report, prepared by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) under the U.S. Department of Energy contract, delves into the challenges associated with integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) into EVCI to safeguard against potential quantum computing threats. Post-quantum computers will eventually be able to invalidate technologies secured through public key cryptography. As part of this effort, the primary gaps and challenges in the EVCI were investigated with a focus on comparing traditional algorithms against PQC algorithms. One of the notable findings was that the P-521 algorithm was frequently surpassed in performance by PQC algorithms. This document provides a thorough examination of the hurdles the industry can expect when transitioning to PQC within the EVCI, such as interoperability concerns, the computational and memory demands of PQC algorithms, and the organizational readiness for such a transition. It emphasizes the necessity of a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, advocating for early and strategic engagement among EVCI stakeholders to ensure a seamless and cost-effective migration to quantum-resistant cryptographic standards. Through this report, the authors aim to catalyze awareness and action among policymakers, industry leaders, and cybersecurity professionals towards fortifying the EVCI against emerging quantum threats, thereby securing the infrastructure essential for the future of electric mobility.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Extreme-scale EV charging infrastructure planning for last-mile delivery using high-performance parallel computing

Here, this paper addresses stochastic charger location and allocation problems under queue congestion for last-mile delivery using electric vehicles (EVs). The objective is to decide where to open charging stations and how many chargers of each type to install, subject to budgetary and waiting-time constraints. We formulate the problem as a mixed-integer non-linear program, where each station-charger pair is modeled as a multiserver queue with stochastic arrivals and service times to capture the notion of waiting in fleet operations. The model is extremely large, with billions of variables and constraints for a typical metropolitan area; even loading the model in solver memory is difficult, let alone solving it. To address this challenge, we develop a Lagrangian-based dual decomposition framework that decomposes the problem by station and leverages parallelization on high-performance computing systems, where the subproblems are solved by using a cutting plane method and their solutions are collected at the master level. We also develop a three-step rounding heuristic to transform the fractional subproblem solutions into feasible integral solutions. Computational experiments on data from the Chicago metropolitan area with hundreds of thousands of households and thousands of candidate stations show that our approach produces high-quality solutions in cases where existing exact methods cannot even load the model in memory. We also analyze various policy scenarios, demonstrating that combining existing depots with newly built stations under multiagency collaboration substantially reduces costs and congestion. These findings offer a scalable and efficient framework for developing sustainable large-scale EV charging networks.

Capacity allocation↗

Enhancing the EVI-X National Framework to Address Emerging Questions on Charging Infrastructure Deployment

As large national investments in EV charging continue to be made, this project seeks to improve the state-of-the-art in EV infrastructure analysis. New and improved quantitative analysis capabilities will position VTO to support EERE Leadership, assist the DOT/DOE Joint Office through timely analysis, and provide a strategy for the deployment of the national charging network. This project supports on-going development of NREL's EVI-X Suite of charging infrastructure analysis tools, including tools supporting large-scale network planning, local site design decisions, and comprehensive financial analysis. EVI-X development complements and leverages other VTO-funded efforts to ensure inputs to EVI-X and output produced by EVI-X are consistent with and well-integrated into the VTO portfolio (e.g., EV adoption scenarios from TEMPO, charging infrastructure design provided to EVs@Scale, etc.).

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗

Analysis of Electric Vehicle Charging Behavior Patterns with Function Principal Component Analysis Approach

This manuscript focused on analyzing electric vehicles’ (EV) charging behavior patterns with a functional data analysis (FDA) approach, with the goal of providing theoretical support to the EV infrastructure planning and regulation, as well as the power grid load management. 5-year real-world charging log data from a total of 455 charging stations in Kansas City, Missouri, was used. The focuses were placed on analyzing the daily usage occupancy variability, daily energy consumption variability, and station-level usage variability. Compared with the traditional discrete-based analysis models, the proposed FDA modeling approach had unique advantages in preserving the smooth function behavior of the data, bringing more flexibility in the modeling process with little required assumptions or background knowledge on independent variables, as well as the capability of handling time series data with different lengths or sizes. In addition to the patterns revealed in the EV charging station’s occupancy and energy consumption, the differences between EV driver’s charging time and parking time were analyzed and called for the needs for parking regulation and enforcement. The different usage patterns observed at charging stations located on different land-use types were also analyzed.

Engineering↗

Modeling U.S. Light-Duty Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure in 2030

With the support of DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office and the DOE/DOT Joint Office (JO), NREL has applied the EVI-X modeling suite to conduct a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Needs Assessment. This report considers a 2030 scenario in which 50% of light-duty sales are electric (including plug-in hybrids), resulting in an on-road stock of 33 million vehicles. We consider the needs of vehicles used for typical daily driving, drivers without access to residential charging, corridor charging supporting long-distance travel, and ride-hailing electrification. We find that a cumulative capital investment of $82 billion in public and private charging infrastructure will be necessary in our baseline scenario (approximately 3x greater than our estimate of planned investments to date). This result is framed as a conservative estimate as the assumed costs include charging equipment and installation but exclude the cost of grid upgrades and distributed energy resources.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗