How EV Chargers at the Workplace Can Ease Peak Evening Charging

The popularity of EVs is on the rise, with more and more drivers choosing environmentally-friendly transportation options. Currently, most EV owners rely on charging their vehicles at home, plugging them in after a long day's work. However, as the number of EVs on the road continues to increase, this routine could pose challenges in the future. That's why it's crucial for employers to consider installing EV chargers at the workplace, enabling employees to charge their cars during the day instead of the evening.

The Problem with Concentrated Evening Charging

The demand for electricity during the peak evening period, when most EV owners charge their vehicles at home, could strain the power grid in the long run. With projections indicating that the majority of vehicles on the road will be EVs in the coming decades, it becomes imperative to find solutions that prevent excessive strain on the electricity infrastructure. Simply scattering chargers randomly is not a viable approach. We need well-developed strategies to guide and manage charger usage to avoid unintended consequences.

A recent study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) sheds light on the risks associated with uncoordinated EV charging. The MIT team gathered data from drivers in New York and Dallas, analyzing variables such as daily vehicle usage patterns and the time spent at various locations.The study reveals that when all EV owners plug in their vehicles simultaneously after work, it puts significant strain on the electricity grid. If peak charging coincides with the already high residential electricity demand in the early evening, it can overload the grid, leading to transformer blowouts. This problem is particularly evident during the summer months when air conditioning usage increases along with EV charging demands. The researchers estimate that meeting these evening peaks in EV charging demand could necessitate a 20% increase in power generation capacity.

Additionally, relying solely on home-charging during peak hours results in wasted solar power generated during midday. Storing excess solar energy for later use is costly and impractical. As a result, there is often an oversupply of electricity during midday followed by a decline in the evening, leading to inefficiencies in the energy system. This phenomenon, known as the "Duck Effect," requires additional fossil-fuel-powered plants to compensate for the decline in solar energy production during the evening peak.

Midnight EV Charging as a Solution

To address these challenges, implementing smart charging solutions becomes crucial. Mobile apps that estimate the optimal charging time for the next day can help distribute the charging load more efficiently. For example, EV owners can plug in their vehicles after work, but the charging process will commence at a later time, such as 2am. This approach helps alleviate peak usage periods and optimize energy consumption.

Daytime EV Charging as a Solution

According to Professor Jessika Trancik, one of the authors of the MIT study, a strategic approach to EV charging can eliminate the need for building new physical infrastructure. By strategically installing EV charging stations at places of work and recreation, and managing the timing of charging sessions, EVs can offset the necessity for stationary energy storage and alleviate the strain on power plants. It is essential to think about where and when chargers are deployed to effectively manage demand.

The MIT study is not the only one emphasizing the benefits of workplace charging and delayed home-charging. A 2022 study conducted by Stanford projected that rapid EV growth could increase peak electricity demand in the western United States and California by up to 25% by 2035 if drivers continue to favor nighttime home-charging. The study suggested policy interventions such as implementing utility rates that incentivize daytime charging and encouraging investments in charging infrastructure to shift charging from home to the workplace.

Finding Stability with Workplace EV Charging

Employers who recognize the importance of installing EV chargers at the workplace will be one step ahead of the game. By proactively facilitating charging opportunities during the day, workplaces not only contribute to reducing peak home-charging demand and effectively managing electricity consumption but also provide their employees with the added benefits of saving time and reducing stress. With EV adoption rates on a steep incline in Canada and the US, the research conducted by institutions like MIT becomes a vital resource for strategically deploying EV chargers in workplaces and locations that cater to the needs of everyday individuals.