Charging infrastructure access and operation to reduce the grid impacts of deep electric vehicle adoption

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to contribute significantly to emissions reductions, but their widespread adoption poses challenges to electricity grid operations. This study utilizes a data-driven model to simulate charging demand, accounting for diverse charging behaviors of future EV adopters within the US Western Interconnection (WECC). The research investigates the influence of charging control strategies and infrastructure build-out on grid impact under scenarios of rapid EV adoption. Findings indicate that peak net electricity demand increases substantially under high adoption rates. Locally optimized controls and high home charging can strain the grid, whereas uncontrolled daytime charging proves more beneficial by reducing storage needs, excess non-fossil fuel generation, ramping, and emissions. Policy recommendations emphasize incorporating generation-level impacts into utility rates and deploying infrastructure that incentivizes a shift from home to daytime charging.

Siobhan Powell, Gustavo Vianna Cezar, Liang Min, Inês M. L. Azevedo, Ram Rajagopal