Will electric cars save the electric-power grid? The electric-power grid has been a fixture of our lives for so long that most of us rarely question how it functions or how it could change the world in the future. However, there are plenty of people who will tell you that this crucial technology is rapidly approaching its prime and that we need to have an electric-power grid of the future if we want to continue powering our homes and businesses without interruption. What do you think? Can the EV help save the electric-power grid?
1: The Electric Grid
The Electric Grid is essential for providing electricity to the United States, and roughly two-thirds of it is made up of coal, petroleum, and natural gas (green sources). The problem with these power sources is that they emit greenhouse gases. Experts have been concerned about the increase in emissions from these power sources as they contribute directly to Global Warming. This is an important concern because a gradual rise in temperature would significantly affect our life support systems on Earth. It has already been shown that global warming has lead to rising sea levels which can cause flooding along coastlines in several parts of the world. In order to curb the amount of greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels we are forced to look for alternative methods for generating electricity.
2: How Do EVs Work?
For the average American, their car is the second most expensive investment they’ll ever make after buying a home. And that’s partly because it uses more energy than any other single item in their home. Replacing your gas guzzler with an EV could be a smart financial move and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but only if you have access to charging stations (which right now, you don’t). To complicate matters further, the average U.S. electricity rate is less than 10 cents per kilowatt hour while gasoline hovers around $3/gallon so it will take time before EVs become as cost-effective as traditional vehicles.
3: How Much Energy Do EVs Use?
All EVs today use about 30 percent less energy per mile than comparable internal combustion vehicles. As the U.S. power grid gets cleaner, EVs will use even less electricity than that over time, saving even more money and helping to improve the environment at the same time. How much is that exactly? Just how much energy do electric cars use? Using a Nissan Leaf as an example, we’ll give you some rough estimates of how many kWhs of electricity one might consume per year for commuting and other typical uses. The results may surprise you!
4: What Could Go Wrong?
One of the most profound and underappreciated effects the EV will have on our society is that it will extend the lifespan of the power grid. The electric car will mean more miles for everyone, not just those with EVs. And more miles means more stress on the electric infrastructure. An EV charging at night isn’t contributing to peak demand—the time when demand for electricity is highest and utilities have to turn off power to certain areas or risk a brownout or even blackout. Instead, an EV is pulling electricity during the so-called superpeak period, reducing strain on transmission lines during their most strained hours.
5: Conclusion
Electric Cars Won’t Save the Electric Grid: The bulk of our power isn’t consumed by individuals; it’s used by large organizations like businesses and factories. In a country where one-third of the workforce drives to work, a shift from gasoline to electric power can have a big impact on how much electricity is used in your area. But as more people switch to EV charging stations at home, that won’t make much difference unless everyone who has access to an outlet at work does the same. If your company is thinking about rolling out charging stations for employees, don’t be too quick to think it will help ease strain on the grid.
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