A novel Volt-VAR Optimization engine for smart distribution networks utilizing Vehicle to Grid dispatch

•A novel Volt-VAR Optimization (VVO) engine proposed using Vehicle to Grid dispatch.•Quasi Real-time Advanced Metering Infrastructure data applied as VVO inputs.•Impacts of Electric Vehicles on Smart Grid-based VVO engine fully studied.•How a typical VVO engine could benefit from V2G’s reactive power support demonstrated.•To test the accuracy of proposed VVO, IEEE-123 feeder employed in presence of various EV and load types.