Originally Posted By: Y_K
It was good while it lasted..
yet another little impediment, that may cost a dime or two
Yep, got this one in my work emails this morning...
https://www.metering.com/news/think-tank-uk-networks-evs-solar/
Same stuff, more detail...
Quote:
According to a new report by think tank Green Alliance, the UK's energy networks are not prepared for the growth in EVs and solar over the next few years.
Green Alliance is a charity and an independent think tank focused on ambitious leadership for the environment in the United Kingdom.
Reporting on the findings of the research conducted by the Alliance, The Guardian notes that "clusters of the battery powered cars could result in 1% of the UK experiencing unplanned drops in voltage – potentially damaging electronic equipment – without action by 2020."
It added that even six EVs charging simultaneously - located in close proximity - could lead to brownouts.
The Guardian adds that "charging one car requires a similar amount of electricity as a typical home uses in three days, and simultaneous demand at a local level could damage networks without costly reinforcements."
The Alliance notes that network operators want people to use smart chargers, which can defer when cars are topped up, but most of the 12,000-plus charging points in the UK are “dumb”, with smart technology largely only used in pilot projects.
It says that up to 700,000 electricity users could suffer blackouts as a result of non-smart chargers by 2025.
“The government should say all chargers from now on must be smart. Once they’re in, it’s very expensive to retrofit them,” said Dustin Benton, the author of the report.
