According to the study published in Applied Energyif the current trend of nightly charging at home persists, electricity demand could increase by up to 25% during peak hours by 2035. This significant increase would require massive investments in new energy production and storage capacities, probably based on natural gas. Paradoxically, this solution would go against the decarbonization efforts targeted by the adoption of EVs.
Ram Rajagopal, co-lead author of the study, highlights the importance of a paradigm shift:
- Encourage daytime charging
- Adjust utility rates
- Investing in charging infrastructure at workplaces and in public spaces
These measures would reduce pressure on the electricity network while maximizing the use of renewable energies, particularly solar.
Towards a daytime charging strategy
California, a pioneer in renewable energy adoption, produces a surplus of solar energy in the late morning and early afternoon. Using this surplus to charge EVs would minimize waste and reduce dependence on natural gas power plants. But, this transition requires an overhaul of electricity rates and incentives for employers to install charging stations at workplaces.
Siobhan Powell, lead author of the study, emphasizes the interconnected nature of the Western American power grid. Changes in charging habits in one state affect the entire region, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach.
Challenges and opportunities for the future of EVs
The Stanford study compares different scenarios involving varying levels of charging infrastructure, variable time-of-use electricity rates, and commercial demand charges. The results show that a strategy focused on daytime charging provides the greatest benefits at the grid level, reducing the need for costly expansion of energy storage and generation.
Here is a comparative table of energy storage needs according to different charging scenarios:
| Scenario | Storage capacity required |
|---|---|
| Current habits (50% EV adoption) | 5,4 gigawatts |
| Transition to workplace charging | 4,2 gigawatts |
Professor Ines Azevedo of Stanford University highlights the urgency of action: “We must quickly decarbonize the transportation sector, which is responsible for the majority of California’s emissions. This study provides avenues to achieve this. »
To achieve California’s ambitious goals, including banning the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and putting 5 million EVs on the road by 2030, coordinated action is needed. This involves targeted policies, investments in charging infrastructure and promoting behavioral changes among drivers.
All things considered, the success of the transition to electric mobility will depend on our ability to address these infrastructure and behavioral challenges. By encouraging daytime charging and aligning charging habits with periods of renewable energy production, we can maximize the environmental benefits of EVs while creating a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
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