2025: Harnessing the Power of Electrified Transportation Systems as Virtual Power Plants Through AI-driven Learning, Optimization, and Control (IIF Momentum Funding)
Energy storage is critical to decarbonizing the power grid, but high capital costs have limited large-scale deployment. The rapid adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) offers a transformative alternative: using EV batteries as distributed, mobile energy storage. Through bidirectional charging, millions of EVs can collectively function as a massive virtual battery—absorbing surplus renewable energy and supplying power during shortages. This project leverages artificial intelligence to enable the real-time coordination of EV charging at scale. By aligning EV flexibility with grid needs and renewable supply, the research enhances grid resilience, supports clean energy integration, and creates new revenue streams for EV owners, accelerating decarbonization of both power and transportation sectors.
Cornell PI: Eilyan Bitar (Cornell Duffield Engineering/Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Rocky Mountain Institute: Ben Shapiro