Electric Vehicle Sales Surge, But Aging Grid Poses Challenges for Sustainable Charging Solutions and Emission Goals.

The REPEAT Project has found that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, with reports indicating that they will make up nearly 67% of new light-duty vehicle sales and 46% of sales by 2032. However, the transition to decarbonizing our roads faces a significant speed bump due to an aging grid, with U.S. greenhouse gas emissions expected to increase by 800 million tons annually by 2030 if the grid fails to develop more than 1% yearly. utilities should consider advanced software solutions for EV charging optimization that can provide the asset-level insights they need to maximize EV uptake within the limitations of today’s distribution grid. To ensure the grid can sustain mass EV adoption, utilities need a managed charging solution that goes beyond traditional TOU optimization at the site and marries the customer side of the meter, optimizing critical assets throughout the distribution network. These simplified solutions prioritize the EV owner, offering some relief, but do little to help utilities understand and optimize EV charging within the limits of existing service transformers, feeders, and substations. For both utilities and EV owners, these solutions can help them avoid unplanned charging costs and minimize energy costs.