Power demand impacts of the charging of Electric Vehicles on the power distribution network in a residential area

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) will have a fundamental place in sustainable mobility due to their very high efficiency and local/global emission levels. However, the global penetration of EVs can have negative impacts if their charges are not scheduled and controlled. This paper presents a study of EV domestic battery charging and its potential impacts on the power distribution network. The networks response to a massive recharge made in a residential sector, considering an urban area and a specific location, and taking into account various types of load control was analyzed and presented. The results show that without a comprehensive and effective EV charging control system, there will be undesirable increases in peak energy demands, and the electrical energy network cannot be prepared to respond to these requests. However, it is shown that using conditioning techniques relating to demand, it is possible to shed loads with some benefits for the power network.