The electric vehicle (EV) market has gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) buyers say that the pandemic has heightened their level of environmental awareness — and crucially, these concerns are now reflected in intentions to purchase more sustainable vehicles. With EV sales doubled between 2020 and 2021, the United States finds itself trying to maintain a pace of implementing the necessary infrastructure to support the transportation sector. One question that is frequently asked is “Can the electric grid handle the mass transition to electric vehicles?” Currently, the problem does not lie in the generation and distribution of power, but the accessibility of charging stations and energy storage solutions for EV drivers. However, as new EV sales have the potential of accounting for 50% of all new vehicles sales in the next decade, utilities will need to consider the impacts to the distribution system and begin planning for changes within construction work plans to account for EV charging. Furthermore, It is not just the distribution system that needs to be considered as impacts from EV will also change how the transmission system is analyzed and how Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) account for generation within in the utilities system or service area. This session will cover current challenges utilities face as more and more Americans adopt electric vehicles.

Session Chair:

Matt Besch
Director Utilities Marketing
Ubicquia