Small island developing states and their suitability for electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid services. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gay, Destine; Rogers, Tom; Shirley, Rebekah
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 55(2018)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Islands -- Electric vehicles -- Vehicle-to-grid services; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2018.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while at the forefront of international climate action, face a number of development challenges linked to their historic, geographic and socio-economic characteristics. Small populations and limited energy demand cap the penetration of renewable energy technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer solutions for electricity storage, grid services, reduced fuel imports, and reduced pollution with associated health benefits. This paper provides a comprehensive review of literature on island applications of electric vehicles, making the case for SIDS as an area of opportunity for further exploration, and presenting the southern Caribbean island of Barbados as a case study. Highlights: Islands have characteristics that make them attractive for early adoption of electric vehicles. With careful planning, electric vehicles can support an island's uptake of renewables. Transitioning to electric vehicles can improve infrastructure resilience to natural hazards. Replacing ageing public service vehicles with e-buses can reduce cost of travel and government subsidies. Barbados, an early adopter of electric vehicles, is presented as a case study.