Matthew Dean

Engineering and Computer Science

Civil and Environmental Engineering
UC Irvine

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Multi-Location Electric Vehicle Charging Coordination: Cost Savings and Emission Reduction Through Aggregator Cooperation

This research addresses a critical gap in electric vehicle (EV) charging management through a novel cross-location, cross-fleet optimization problem. While existing EV charging management programs operate independently at homes, workplaces, or fleet depots, this project examines the untapped potential of coordinating across space and time for diverse vehicle fleets. Using the Greater Los Angeles Region as a testbed, I will develop and evaluate innovative coordination strategies through a state-of-the-art agent-based travel demand simulator. The research compares the current decentralized approach with independent within-session charging optimization to a centralized coordination system that optimizes EV charging. With California facing a projected $26 billion in distribution grid upgrade costs and one-fifth of customers struggling to pay their utility bills, this work has significant public policy implications. The project quantifies the benefits of coordinated charging strategies. It uses an exploration space to design practical electricity tariff structures that achieve near-optimal coordination while preserving privacy, enabling low-cost, low-effort EV charging management. This 18-month study will produce evidence-based recommendations for utilities and regulators on how multi-location coordination can defer costly infrastructure investments, enhance energy affordability, and support the state's decarbonization and air quality targets.