Assessment of the Impact of Plug-in Electric Vehicles on Distribution Networks

TLDR

Plug‑in electric vehicles offer environmental and energy‑security benefits and are expected to grow rapidly, yet their connection to the grid introduces new challenges for utilities. This study proposes a comprehensive method to assess how varying levels of PEV penetration affect distribution‑network investment and incremental energy losses. The method employs a large‑scale distribution‑planning model applied to two real distribution areas. Results indicate that, depending on charging strategies, investment costs can rise by up to 15 % and off‑peak energy losses by up to 40 % when 60 % of vehicles are PEV.

Abstract

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) present environmental and energy security advantages versus conventional gasoline vehicles. In the near future, the number of plug-in electric vehicles will likely grow significantly in the world. Despite the aforementioned advantages, the connection of PEV to the power grid poses a series of new challenges for electric utilities. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach for evaluating the impact of different levels of PEV penetration on distribution network investment and incremental energy losses. The proposed approach is based on the use of a large-scale distribution planning model which is used to analyze two real distribution areas. Obtained results show that depending on the charging strategies, investment costs can increase up to 15% of total actual distribution network investment costs, and energy losses can increase up to 40% in off-peak hours for a scenario with 60% of total vehicles being PEV.