Load shift potential of electric vehicles in Europe

Babrowski, Sonja; Heinrichs, Heidi; Jochem, Patrick; Fïchtner, Wolf · 2014 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.01.019

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Summary

This study investigates the load shift potential (LSP) of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, addressing the challenge of integrating growing EV fleets into electricity systems characterized by volatile renewable generation. The authors aim to quantify how uncontrolled versus controlled charging impacts grid loads and to determine the temporal availability of EVs for demand response measures. The research is motivated by the need to avoid grid congestion and voltage deviations while leveraging EV flexibility to balance supply and demand, particularly during periods of high renewable feed-in or low overall demand. The methodology utilizes data from six European mobility studies covering Germany, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. An algorithm was developed to extract national EV load curves based on country-specific driving patterns, parking durations, and charging opportunities. The analysis compares three scenarios—pessimistic (home charging only, 3.5 kW), reference (home and work, mixed power), and optimistic (home, work, public, including fast charging)—to assess the influence of charging location and power on load profiles. Additionally, the study examines regional differences within Germany and integrates findings into the PERSEUS EMO energy system model to evaluate impacts on conventional load curves. Key findings indicate that the possibility of charging at the workplace significantly alters uncontrolled charging curves, eliminating morning peaks associated with commuting arrivals. National differences in driving patterns result in similar overall charging patterns, with major peaks occurring after work arrival in the morning and return home in the evening, though amplitudes vary by country. Regional analysis in Germany reveals that rural areas charge more in the evening, while nucleated towns show stronger morning peaks. Crucially, the study establishes bounds for LSP: when charging is restricted to home, at least 24% of vehicles are available during the day across all countries. With workplace charging included, at least 45% of vehicles are constantly available for load shifting, rising to over 99% availability overnight. The significance of these results lies in demonstrating a substantial potential for load shifting through controlled charging. The authors conclude that EVs can effectively fill demand valleys, increasing the full load hours and efficiency of base-load power plants, or absorb excess renewable generation. By shifting charging times, EVs can mitigate peak loads and support grid stability, offering a viable demand response mechanism to accommodate high market penetration of electric mobility without requiring proportional increases in installed generation capacity.

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