CO2 optimization

Go further in reducing CO₂ emissions!

Switching to electric mobility is a key factor in reducing CO₂ emissions. Dreev makes it possible to go even further by controlling recharging to match it to the hours with the lowest carbon emissions.

Variations in carbon intensity

The carbon intensity of the electricity network varies according to the season, the means of production available and demand. For example, when consumption peaks in winter, peak power plants (gas, oil, coal) are often used in France or abroad to meet electricity demand. On the other hand, there are periods when consumption is low and renewable energies are abundant (when there is wind at night or too much solar production in France at weekends during the day). These parameters vary the CO₂ emissions linked to recharging your electric vehicle.

The ‘natural’ recharging of electric vehicles would rather lead to the reinforcement of peak phenomena on the electricity network. Indeed, without control, charging electric vehicles would tend to exacerbate consumption peaks in the morning between 8 and 10am and at the end of the day between 5 and 8pm.

These peak periods are when the CO₂ intensity of the electricity network is at its highest. Thanks to intelligent recharging, it is possible to control recharging so that it takes place at times when the electricity mix contains the least carbon. This is also generally when the price of electricity is lowest.

Source – RTE – Development of electromobility for the electricity system – May 2019

Dreev’s methodology

Dreev has developed an innovative carbon accounting methodology to quantify the effects of smart charging and assess the impact of piloting on CO₂ emissions.

This approach compares the carbon intensity of kWh in the electricity network during smart charging with that of non-controlled charging. It incorporates emissions factors from various electricity generation sources as well as their proportion in the energy mix. The data is provided by Electricity Maps, the benchmark for carbon intensity in the various European countries. We take into account cross-border electricity exchanges, because it is consumption at a given time that is assessed, not production.

We can also connect to the Ecowatt signal, RTE’s ‘electricity weather forecast’, to optimise our analysis.

Example of Dreev’s SPOT control for daytime plug-in vehicles

How is Dreev helping to make recharging more environmentally friendly?

  • Dreev has a view of the forecast CO2 emissions from electricity production over the day and will favour times when electricity is low in carbon, in addition to your electricity tariff, so you can choose when your vehicle will recharge.
  • For our BtoC applications, you can view the real-time CO2 level of electricity production at any time on the main screen.
  • In the statistics, you’ll be able to see the CO2 emissions saved by intelligently recharging your electric vehicle at the best times, compared with the emissions of a combustion-powered vehicle.

We can also optimise the charging of your electric vehicles according to the electricity generated by your solar panels. Find out more on our dedicated page.