Impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the electric power system in Illinois

Future impacts on the electric power system in Illinois due to additional load from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are analyzed. The operation of the state´s electric power system was simulated under a baseline scenario (i.e., without PHEVs) and three scenarios with PHEVs. The latter scenarios assumed different time periods throughout the day when PHEVs would be charging. The study assumed that PHEVs comprised 10% of the total number of light-duty vehicles on the road in 2020. Results of the simulations are presented, and the potential impacts of PHEV charging on the power system´s generation mix and transmission network are identified. While the conclusions drawn are specific to the features of Illinois, the tools and methodologies employed can be applied to the study of power systems in other geographic areas.