Expert cites four reasons why EV fuel costs will decline over time
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries integration in charging stations may help defray prices.
It is unlikely that the cost of electric vehicles (EV) will be similar to the fuel prices of cars because fuels face different factors with their fuel, said Arjun Bhattarai, co-founder of VFlowTech, a renewable energy equipment manufacturing firm.
“The price of EVs is influenced by various factors, including production costs, battery technology advancements, and economies of scale,” he said in an interview with Singapore Business Review.
Second, the costs of fuel for EVs will also reduce over time due to increasing investment in research and development.
Also, Bhattarai said, that with the advancement of “renewable energy sources and the decoupling of EV charging from fossil fuel-generated electricity, EV owners may experience more stable and predictable electric charging costs.”
Another reason affecting price fluctuations is the integration of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VFRBs) into current charging stations because they can contribute to cost reductions for EV charging in the following ways:
Load Management and Grid Balancing: VFRBs can provide a buffer for managing the fluctuations in electricity demand and supply. They store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand hours, thereby helping to avoid costly peak demand charges. This optimized load management leads to more cost-efficient operations for charging infrastructure.
Extended Charging Station Lifespan: VFRBs, which are long-lasting can provide backup power and stabilize the electricity supply, enhancing the overall reliability of charging station operations. This in turn can lead to reduced downtime and maintenance costs, contributing to the cost-effectiveness of the charging infrastructure.
Renewable Energy Integration: VFRBs can store excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar, when production exceeds demand. This stored energy can then be used for EV charging during periods of low renewable energy generation, reducing the reliance on grid electricity and potentially decreasing charging costs.
Off-Grid Charging: In remote areas or locations with unreliable grid access, VFRBs can also enable off-grid EV charging. This can eliminate the need for expensive grid connection infrastructure and reduce ongoing grid-related costs.