Impact of vehicle charging on Portugal's national electricity load profile in 2030. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meintjes, Tiago; Castro, Rui; Pires, A.J.
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 73(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Electric vehicle -- Load profile -- Mobility patterns -- Charging patterns -- Charging strategies; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2021.101310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to explore the impact of light-duty passenger (LdP) electric vehicle (EV) charging on the Portuguese national load profile (LP) in 2030. The goal is to identify EV charging strategies that enable a sustainable configuration of the Portuguese LP under different potential levels of LdP EV penetration in 2030. The research offers Portuguese utilities and policymakers information regarding potential threats and solutions of different EV charging strategies on the national grid infrastructure in 2030. Furthermore, it proposes a methodology that can also be adopted in other countries to analyse similar problems. Low, medium, and high penetration scenarios were designated based on the number of LdP EVs. The low and medium penetration scenarios indicate that an intelligent grid is not necessary to perform charging activities. However, coordinating EV charging in the evening via a smart grid (SG) is imperative in the high penetration scenario, as unsustainable levels of power demand will otherwise be reached, compared with the current production and distribution capacity. Moreover, morning charging sessions must also be addressed, as they may induce new peaks of daily consumption given the significant amount of charging activity taking place within that period. Highlights: The impact of light-duty passenger EV charging on the Portuguese load profile (LP) in 2030 is explored. EV charging strategies enabling a sustainable LP for different levels of penetration are identified. Three scenarios of EV penetration: low, medium, and high. An intelligent grid is not required to perform EV charging for low and medium penetration. EV charging in the morning and evening through a Smart-Grid is imperative for high penetration.