British Study Shows Need to Improve Electricity Infrastructure for EVs

Nearly one-third of Britain’s utility infrastructure will have to be upgraded by 2030 if sales of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increases, according to a three-year study.

Dubbed My Electric Avenue, the study monitored communities with a large number of Nissan Leaf EVs and the impact that recharging the vehicles had on local power grids during peak times. The program was funded by energy regulator Ofgem.

The initial findings show that four types of low-power circuits—accounting for about 32% of Britain’s power grid—will require some sort of “intervention” if ownership of electrified cars reaches 40%. Instead of replacing myriad underground cables, however, the researchers say a less expensive system could be implemented that coordinates and controls vehicle charging to prevent overloading of cables, overhead lines and substations.

The technology, called Esprit, could save £2.2 billion ($3.3 billion) of infrastructure reinforcement costs over the next 30 years, the authors estimate. Full results of the study will be released later this month.

Nearly 67,000 EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids have been registered in Britain this year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.