Impacts of electric vehicle loads on power distribution systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most promising alternative to replace a significant amount of gasoline vehicles to provide cleaner, CO₂ free and climate friendly transportation. On integrating more electric vehicles, the electric utilities must analyse the related impacts on the electricity system operation. This paper investigates the effects on the key power distribution system parameters like voltages, line drops, system losses etc. by integrating electric vehicles in the range of 0-50% of the cars with different charging capacities. The dump as well as smart charging modes of electric vehicles is applied in this analysis. A typical Danish primary power distribution system is used as a test case for the studies. From the simulation results, not more than 10% of electric vehicles could be integrated in the test system for the dump charging mode. About 40% of electric vehicle loads could be accommodated in the network with the smart charging mode. The extent of integrating EVs in an area is constrained by the EV charging behavior and the safe operational limits of electricity system parameters.