Impacts of Electric Vehicle Charging on Residential Feeders

The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is marked as a significant transformation towards transportation industry, driven by the urgent necessity to curb carbon emissions and address climate change concerns. Electric vehicles are widely regarded as environmentally friendly due to their zero-emission operation. However, the integration of electric vehicles into the power grid presents intricate challenges that require thorough examination. When multiple electric vehicles are charging simultaneously, the local power system has an abrupt surge in electricity demand. This surge results in voltage problems, overloads, and increased power losses. The vulnerability of the home grid segment is particularly pronounced during peak charging hours. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of EV charging on the electricity grid. This paper involves simulating the operation of a MATLAB-based 13-node system and analyzing the effects of EV charging on voltage, and system performance. The study seeks to offer information on the impacts of EV adoption on local electrical infrastructure. With the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads, it becomes increasingly imperative to devise solutions that ensure the reliability of the local power system. This research aims to contribute to the development of strategies for the secure and efficient connection of EVs to the grid, promoting a more sustainable and dependable energy future.