On 8 August 2019, the GIZ India released a study on “Impact assessment of high penetration of Electric Vehicles along with rooftop PV systems”, which deals with implications of large scale Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure expansion on the power grids. It identifies and evaluates the major technical challenges and opportunity for the grid operator while integrating high shares of EV & distributed rooftop PV generation. The event was attended by +90 stakeholders. Ranging from the government, policy makers, consultants, regulators to manufacturers of EV chain, battery Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), startups and DISCOMs.

Following key findings were presented on the occasion of the event:

• The EV charging will not impose a significant toll on the energy consumption & peak demand, and DISCOM’s shall be able to manage the load from EV.
• Power quality issues like harmonic injection from EVs chargers & rooftop PV generation would have an impact at few points. However, it can be mitigated/compensated with harmonic filters installation.
• Developing the Time of Use (ToU) tariff (Controlled Charging) for EVs would have a beneficial proposition for DISCOM and market penetration of E-mobility.

The study demonstrates the impact of EV infrastructure on the distribution network (LT network, HT network, distribution transformers) under various technical parameters. The study also provides the framework guidelines for policy and regulatory authorities.

The expected rise in EVs will add complexity to the grid management, thus balancing power supply and demand and quality of power will become more important in decades to come. Moving forward with the EV targets set by government and market forces, the electricity distribution licensees will have to be well prepared. They will have to estimate the impacts of integrating charging infrastructure along with increasing embedded generation from rooftop Solar PV in advance and prepare their network for safe and reliable operation.

For more information please contact Mr. Sudhanshu Mishra via email to sudhanshu. mishra(at)giz.de.