Limitations of Urban Infrastructure for the Large-Scale Implementation of Electric Mobility. A Case Study

Abstract

The large-scale implementation of electric vehicles involves many challenges, including the stress on electric distribution networks. In order to quantify this impact, an input–output methodology applied to a case study in a representative urban context is proposed. The analysis shows that, on average, a standard distribution network can withstand 40% electric vehicle penetration without an increase in its capacity, always in the case of slow night charging. Higher levels of penetration are difficult to obtain without electric grid reinforcements because both lower energy prices and usual transport habits create a strong peak power demand during the night. The study also confirms that semi-fast or fast charging systems are not acceptable as domestic technologies due to the lack of capacity in transformation centers and their unsuitability for standard low voltage lines.