Regional Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions in Great Britain

Al-Wreikat, Yazan; Sodré, José Ricardo · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2023.11.045

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Summary

This study investigates regional variations in electric vehicle (EV) energy consumption and associated carbon emissions across Great Britain (GB). Motivated by the need to align local transport strategies with national net-zero targets, the research addresses a gap in existing literature, which has largely focused on the United States and China. The authors aim to quantify how regional differences in road traffic, ambient temperature, and electricity grid carbon intensity affect EV emissions under various charging scenarios. The researchers developed a model analyzing EV performance on a sub-national basis, incorporating data on regional mileage, road class distribution, and monthly ambient temperatures from the UK Met Office and Department for Transport. The model utilized specifications for an average new EV (64 kWh battery, 415 km WLTP range) and applied real-world driving cycle data to determine specific energy consumption. Electricity grid carbon intensity was sourced from the National Grid Carbon Intensity API with half-hourly resolution. The study evaluated three charging strategies: uncontrolled charging (starting immediately upon plug-in at 6 pm), delayed smart charging (starting after 10 pm to avoid peak hours), and optimised smart charging (scheduling charging during periods of lowest grid carbon intensity). These strategies were applied to two user behaviors: a "routine" schedule (plugging in daily regardless of battery state) and a "minimal" schedule (charging only when battery state drops to 15%). Results indicate significant regional disparities in energy consumption and emissions. Northern regions experienced higher energy consumption due to lower ambient temperatures, with Scotland and the North West seeing the largest drops in real-world driving range compared to advertised WLTP figures. London exhibited the lowest total energy consumption due to lower mileage. Regarding emissions, switching from uncontrolled to delayed smart charging reduced national CO2 emissions by approximately 21% for routine schedules and 12% for minimal schedules. Optimised smart charging yielded greater reductions, cutting national emissions by 25% for routine schedules and 12% for minimal schedules. Regional benefits varied widely; for instance, optimised charging reduced emissions by up to 55% in the North East, while Wales saw smaller reductions due to flatter grid carbon intensity profiles. Notably, optimised charging made routine daily plugging-in more efficient than minimal charging, reversing the trend observed in uncontrolled scenarios. The study concludes that EV carbon emissions are heavily influenced by where, when, and how vehicles are charged, driven by regional grid mixes and climate conditions. The findings imply that a uniform national approach to EV charging policy may be insufficient. Instead, regional strategies leveraging smart charging technologies, particularly optimised scheduling, are essential to maximize decarbonization benefits. The research highlights that while delayed charging offers moderate improvements, optimised charging provides the most significant emission reductions, supporting the development of infrastructure and policies that encourage charging during low-carbon intensity periods.

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