Preparing the grid for electric vehicles 

September 2024

As EVs continue to become more common, electric cooperatives will face new challenges in managing the increased demand for electricity.

by Jennah Denney, Contributing Columnist

Electric vehicles are more than just a trend; many see them as a shift toward a new transportation and energy use era.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, EVs and hybrid vehicle sales have surpassed 16% of 2023 U.S. light-duty vehicle sales. Additionally, as of March 2024, 17 states have exceeded 10% of the EV market share, highlighting the regional variations and potential hotspots for EV market penetration. As EVs continue to become more common, electric cooperatives will face new challenges and opportunities to continue providing reliable, affordable energy to our consumer members.

Imagine traffic during rush hour — it’s crowded and slow. Our nation’s electric grid can become just as crowded when everyone charges their EVs at the same time. This significant spike in energy use can lead to power outages or expensive updates to our system. But as we prepare for increased electricity demand from EV use, we remain dedicated to solving these challenges and keeping the lights on for everyone.

Smart charging is like a traffic light for electricity — it helps manage the demand for power from EVs. Here’s how you can help if you own an EV:

• Charge during off-peak hours. Charge your EV when electricity demand is low, such as late at night or early in the morning, to help prevent grid overload and save on your energy bills.
• Use delayed charging. Modern EV chargers can wait to charge your car until there’s less demand for power. This helps keep the grid stable and gives you power when needed.
• Adopt grid-friendly charging. Some EV chargers can adjust how fast they charge your vehicle based on how much power is available. This helps avoid grid congestion and the need for expensive upgrades.

Managing the EV transition on our electric grid brings many challenges and opportunities for growth and working together. We’re talking with our members to help everyone understand how EVs and the grid affect each other. Additionally, our cooperatives must identify and track the EVs within our local network. Knowing how many EVs are charging on our system allows for better planning and helps ensure a more stable electricity supply. We can maintain a more efficient and reliable power grid when we can predict EV charging patterns.

Additionally, when we have local, detailed data, the co-op can design EV programs that fit our community’s specific needs, encourage responsible energy use and offer additional cost savings to our members. Contact your local electric cooperative for guidance if you’re considering an EV and have questions about home charging.

Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.