Assessing the potential impacts of electric vehicles on the electricity distribution network

摘要: Despite the potential to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits compared with conventional, oil-fuelled vehicles, historically, electric vehicles (EVs) have not been commercially successful. However, improvements in battery technology and the development of electricity distribution network infrastructure seen over the last hundred years lend promise to widespread EV adoption. A transition to EV adoption will crucially hinge on successful integration into the existing electricity network. High-level studies have suggested that Australia could power all city and urban driving using existing off-peak electricity generation capacity. However, such studies give little indication of the ability of the current distribution network to charge EVs at particular locations, nor the impact on network operation. This paper investigates the impact of EV adoption on network loading and the potential to coordinate charging to best use existing network infrastructure. In particular, it reports modelling results from the deployment of EVs within a new distribution network simulation package. The results highlight the importance of charging coordination to minimise adverse operational impacts and network investment.