Optimal Transition to Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Ontario, Canada, Considering the Electricity-Grid Limitations

This paper analyzes the feasibility of optimally utilizing Ontario´s grid potential for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) during off-peak periods. Based on a simplified zonal model of Ontario´s electricity-transmission network and a zonal pattern of base-load generation capacity from 2009 to 2025, an optimization model is developed to find the optimal, as well as maximum, penetrations of PHEVs into Ontario´s transport sector. The results of this paper demonstrate that the present and projected electricity grid in Ontario can be optimally exploited for charging almost 6% of the total vehicles in Ontario or 12.5% of the vehicles in Toronto´s transport sector by 2025; this corresponds to approximately 500 000 PHEVs that can be charged from the grid without any additional transmission or power-generation investments beyond those currently planned.