Grid Manager: Plug-in autos are OK if charged overnight or else
Plug-in hybrids are a hot topic right now. But there are many who question if our electric grid will be able to support a massive influx of EVs and plug-in hybrids? Those who know often say "yes," "yes" and "yes" again. We can now add Stephen Whitley, president of the New York Independent System Operator, to the list of those who say plug ins are a good idea. Whitley has published a report saying that the grids are ready for cars with cords as long as they're recharged overnight. The report focuses on the benefits of using usually wasted off-peak hour electricity to recharge those cars. Whitley notes, like others before him, that the batteries in plug-in cars can also be used to store electricity made from wind power, lessening the need for increased generation from fossil fuel power plants. Whitley's report also estimates that EVs and plug-ins are expected to increase power demand in New York state by two percent by 2030, with 2.5 million such vehicles on the streets then.[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mart 7:36PM (7/02/2009)
"Whitley notes, like others before him, that the batteries in plug-in cars can also be used to store electricity made from wind power, lessening the need for increased generation from fossil fuel power plants."
Or, the batteries can be used to store electricity from existing coal and nuclear plants, reducing the need to build additional plants.
If charging at night is the preferred method, you have to wonder why so much emphasis is being placed on public charging infrastructure, which would mostly be employed during the day, when "the batteries for plug-in cars can also be used to store electricity made from photovoltaics...".
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Chris M 10:01PM (7/02/2009)
I suspect that most charging will still be done at home at night, but the public charging would be used by those who want a little extra charge for a little additional driving before they finally head home. Also, public charging would be for those proverbial "living in an apartment and must park their car on the street" folks, who could then charge their EVs at night.
GoodCheer 9:46AM (7/03/2009)
"those proverbial "living in an apartment and must park their car on the street" folks"
I haven't heard those proverbs. Are they in E-Stops Fables?
John Rowell 9:27PM (7/02/2009)
Electric cars, coupled with smart grid technology, could detect when the wind turbines are turning and adjust their charge rate accordingly. They could perform a load balancing function for the grid by charging at times when the grid has extra capacity, avoiding the need to keep some of the dirty power plants on standby!
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jpm100 5:20PM (7/03/2009)
It just fascinates me how we're to assume EVs will be adopted overnight and there will be no time to adjust/grow the grid.
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