A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE INTERFACING TECHNIQUES AND CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ACTIVE DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Abstract

The accelerating adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the global shift toward sustainable transportation demand efficient integration of EV charging infrastructure within active distribution networks (ADNs). This paper presents a focused review of EV interfacing techniques, charging standards, and grid-supporting technologies essential for reliable and optimized power system operation. The study outlines the evolution of EV technologies and compares major charging configurations—Type-1, Type-2, and Type-3 highlighting their functional characteristics, power levels, communication requirements, and implications on grid stability. Special emphasis is placed on solar photovoltaic (PV)–based EV charging systems, which offer significant benefits in reducing grid dependence, lowering operational costs, and enhancing environmental sustainability. Additionally, the paper examines bidirectional charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) concepts, describing their role in peak load management, ancillary service support, and distributed energy storage utilization. Key technical challenges such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion, feeder congestion, interoperability issues, and battery degradation are critically analyzed. The review also identifies emerging trends, including smart charging controls, AI-based scheduling, and advanced power electronic interfaces, which can enable efficient EV integration. Overall, this paper provides a consolidated perspective for researchers and practitioners aiming to enhance EV–grid interaction within future intelligent distribution networks.