Cooperative Living January/February 2023 - 15

MEMBER FYI
It is predicted
that by 2035,
many major vehicle
manufacturers will
only be producing
electric models.
Avoiding Gridlock
How electric vehicles impact the grid
by Katherine Loving, Contributing Columnist
L
ast year saw a record increase in electric vehicle (EV)
sales, and experts are predicting that by 2035, many major
vehicle manufacturers will only produce electric models.
A 2021 study by the Department ofEnergy showed that
increased electrification, or replacement ofdirect fossil fuel use
with electricity, would account for a 38% increase in electricity
demand by 2050-and EVs will play a major role in this
increased electrification.
The need for more electricity
will have a major impact on the
nation's grid, which means
power supply and grid
infrastructure must be carefully
planned to accommodate the
increased need for electricity.
EV charging presents new challenges in maintaining the
electric grid. Fully charging an EV battery requires the same
amount ofelectricity needed to power a home during peak
energy use times. However, EV charging is a concentrated
pull ofenergy over an extended period, which can add stress
to the local power grid by increasing the amount ofelectricity
a utility has to provide.
Additionally, the neighborhood transformer needs adequate
capacity to handle the increased load. EV charging can shorten
the lifespan oftransformers by straining and overloading their
capacity ifthey are not matched to a neighborhood's energy
needs.
Electric cooperatives are currently identifyingways to
manage this new pattern ofelectricity use, though exact
strategies will vary based on each utility's unique needs.
Analyzing energy load patterns or identifyingwhere and
when the local grid has spikes in demand can provide electric
co-ops with data on where to place higher-capacity
co-opliving.com
transformers. This analysis can also provide a picture ofoverall
energy use and patterns to help forecast energy consumption
for the future. Planning systemmaintenance and upgrades
are also part ofthat long-range forecasting; however, this has
been recently complicated by supply-chain issues with
transformers, with wait times that are upwards ofone year.
EV owners can play a role in reducing energy costs and
system stress associated with
charging. Check with your
local electric co-op to see if
they offer an EV charging
rate. Typically, an EV rate
incentivizes charging during
the night, when electricity
demand and wholesale energy
rates are lower. Charging at night is also a great way to ease
demand in your neighborhood, even without a special EV rate.
Another potential change on the horizon is a new energy
peak time. EV drivers that plug-in to charge as soon as they
return home fromwork would create even more electricity
demand during this busy time ofday. But ifEV drivers use a
timer to schedule charging at night, the electricity demand
could be spread over a longer period to reduce stress on the
grid. This would be especially beneficial for neighborhoods
with multiple EVdrivers.
EVs are only expected to increase in number. Electric
co-ops and EV owners both have roles to play in
accommodating increased demand. Ifyou own an EV, let
your electric co-op know so they can better plan energy
demand for you and your neighbors. 
Katherine Lovingwrites on consumer and cooperative affairs
for theNationalRuralElectric CooperativeAssociation.
January-February 2023 ● Cooperative Living ●
13
PHOTO COURTESY FORD
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living January/February 2023
