While some commentators warn that the widespead adoption of electric vehicles will trigger blackouts, others argue that existing power grids can service a large number of electric vehicles, provided vehicle charging is intelligently managed. In this project researchers are comparing various scenarios for the growth of electric vehicles in order to model grid expansion needs and associated investment costs. A key aim of the project is to determine the conditions under which electric vehicles can supply the greatest net benefits to distribution grids and the power system as a whole.
The Project is a joint undertaking of Agora Verkehrswende, Agora Energiewende and the Regulatory Assistance Project. The research is being carried out by Ecofys and the Center of Competence for Electromobility, Infrastructure and Grids.