CenterPoint Energy and KEMA have issued findings of a joint study on the impact of electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the transmission and distribution system in the Houston area.
The study determined that system-wide impacts from EVs are likely to be relatively minimal within the next decade, with additional peak load growing by no more than 5%. However, the localized impact of EVs, including excessive transformer loads, is of more concern, the companies say. In particular, the analysis shows potential clustering of EVs, which can result in high loads at a given transformer.
The companies note that low charging levels during off-peak periods could notably limit overloading. However, as the number of EVs increases and the charging levels rise over the next 10 years, transformer overloading is highly probable in parts of CenterPoint Energy's territory.
SOURCE: KEMA
