Electricity rates for electric vehicle direct current fast charging in the United States. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muratori, Matteo; Kontou, Eleftheria; Eichman, Joshua
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 113(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Electricity rates -- Electric vehicles -- DC fast charging -- Demand charges -- Charging stations; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: While several efforts are promoting a widespread and convenient network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations to support electric vehicles, there is limited understanding of the magnitude and variability of the cost of electricity for these applications. This information gap may hinder optimal investing and planning for charging station placement and in turn affect electric vehicle adoption and usage. Here, we assess the electricity cost for different scenarios of DCFC station size and use based on over 7500 commercial and industrial electricity rates available for 2017 across the United States. Results show that the cost of electricity for DCFC varies dramatically, ranging from less than $0.10 to over $2 per kilowatt-hour, depending on station design and high uncertainty in use. The main driver of cost is low utilization, which results from a combination of few charging events and limited energy recharged during each event. Low utilization leads to significantly higher electricity cost, particularly for rates with demand charges; however, cost decreases rapidly as utilization increases. For high-utilization stations, selecting rates with demand charges can actually reduce electricity costs compared to non-demand-charge rates. Moreover, significant opportunities for cost savings based on existing rates include preferential charging during off-peak hours and limiting multi-plug station power so that not all plugs can be used simultaneously at maximum power. Highlights: Cost of electricity for EV fast charging is highly variable. Assess electricity cost across 7500 rates for different station size and use. Low-utilization and demand charges main drivers of EV fast charging electricity cost. EV fast charging electricity cost decreases rapidly as station utilization increases. Cost savings opportotunites: off-peak charging and limited station power.