Relation between Electric Vehicles and Operation Performance of Power Grid

Abstract

Rapidly increasing number of electric vehicles (EV) is expected in the future. It is important to understand the consequences of this process for operation of power grids. The goal of this study was to determine an impact of increasing number of EV on the economic performance of electricity distribution system, including the impact on users of power distribution infrastructure. Factors, such as expected network load changes and required investment in the networks as well as possible changes in power distribution tariff were considered. Analysis of Latvia’s power distribution system shows that the installed capacity significantly exceeds the load. It means that connection of EV charging infrastructure to the system and resulting increase of the system’s load may not require additional investments and even could bring a positive economic effect due to better utilization of the infrastructure.

Keywords

• clean energy transition
• electric mobility
• electric vehicles
• energy economics
• power distribution system
• sustainable mobility