Earth Day Tips for Managing Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Every year on April 22nd, people all over the world come together to observe Earth Day. This global event is aimed at raising awareness about the environmental challenges that our planet is facing, and inspiring individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to address them. One way we can reduce our impact on the planet is by switching to electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are becoming more popular, and they’re a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality; they’re also a great grid asset for enterprising utility operations. With greater electric vehicle adoptions and incentives to get even more on the road, utilities are challenged to meet rising demand. Fortunately, electric vehicles present a variety of opportunities for utilities both to meet needs and meet decarbonization objectives.

Benefits of Switching to Electric Vehicles

EVs are becoming an increasingly critical element in the global decarbonization efforts needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Last year, the Biden Administration issued an executive order stating that 50% of all vehicles manufactured in the United States must be EVs by 2030. The Environmental Protection Agency just took that manufacturing order to the next level, by introducing new emissions standards that could result in even more electric vehicles on the road by 2032. These are significant steps toward a more sustainable future, and it highlights just how important EVs are in the fight against climate change.

Better for the Environment

One of the reasons why electric vehicles are so important is because they produce zero emissions. Unlike gas-powered cars, which emit harmful pollutants into the air, Since EVs run on electricity, they produce no tailpipe emissions. Still, some argue that electric vehicles are an equivalent environmental challenge since fossil fuels are still the biggest source of reliable energy production available to the industry. Fortunately, research indicates that EVs generate fewer carbon emissions over their lifetimes than combustion engines. Furthermore, as more utilities diversify their energy portfolios and invest in distributed energy resources (DERs), and demand flexibility programs, energy production itself is skewing toward renewable energy.

Rapid Growth

The EV market is growing rapidly, indicating the widespread consumer interest that will increasingly challenge grid resiliency. In the past few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road, and this trend is only going to continue. More and more automakers introduce their own EV models, and as battery technology continues to improve, the range and performance of these vehicles will only get better.

EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion

In addition to the growth of the EV market, there are also efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and similar legislation are working to fund the installation of more EV charging stations across the country. This is critical to the widespread adoption of EVs as it ensures that drivers can access convenient charging options, no matter where they are.

EV Battery Recycling is Becoming a Big Deal

Another important aspect of the EV industry is battery recycling. EV batteries contain valuable materials such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, and as the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, the demand for these materials will also increase. To avoid environmental damage caused by mining new materials, it’s important to recycle old batteries, meaning less waste, environmental damage, and a longer shelf life for the electric vehicle industry and batteries in general alike. This not only helps to conserve natural resources but also reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

The Rise of EV Manufacturing = Increased Demand for Electricity

As we’ve said, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles is having a significant impact on the demand for electricity. As more people make the switch to EVs, the demand for electricity to power these vehicles will continue to rise. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric cars on the road is expected to reach 125 million by 2030, up from just 3 million in 2017. This dramatic increase in EVs will lead to a corresponding increase in demand for electricity.

Utility companies are already taking steps to address this increased demand by taking notice of innovative technologies and incorporating them into their operations. By promoting demand flexibility strategies like managed charging, telematics, and V2G charging, utility companies can turn EVs from an operational challenge to a grid asset, while helping to reduce the environmental impact of EVs and creating a more sustainable energy future. With the right infrastructure and technology in place, we can work together to achieve a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

Managed Charging

Utilities can manage the increasing demand for electricity through managed charging programs. With managed charging strategies, utilities can optimize the charging of electric vehicles to reduce peak demand on the grid. Through managed charging, utilities can balance EV charging times and peak demand usage to minimize grid strain, lower energy spending, and improve customer satisfaction.

EV Telematics

With EV telematics technology can play a significant role in managed charging by providing real-time and historical data straight from a program participant’s vehicle, as opposed to the charging data that comes from power walls. Because EV telematics follows a specific vehicle’s energy needs (as opposed to only getting data from a single charging point), utilities can get a robust picture of how, when, and where customers are most likely to charge. Through that data, program managers can better assess potential demand and use that information to run more effective, less invasive demand flexibility charging strategies.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Charging

Another innovative technology is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. This technology allows EVs to discharge excess energy back into the grid during times of peak demand, providing a valuable source of energy to supplement traditional power sources. A non-wires alternative, V2G charging can also help to stabilize the grid by reducing the need for traditional power plants or other additional physical infrastructure to ramp up production during peak demand periods.

How Utility Companies Can Promote Electric Vehicles for Sustainability

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment, utility companies can promote electric vehicles as a more sustainable transportation option. By providing incentives, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing demand response programs, they are helping to reduce their customers’ carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Offer Incentives

Utility companies can promote electric vehicles—and, more importantly, the various demand flexibility opportunities and potential programs they represent—by providing incentives to customers. For example, some utility companies offer rebates or discounts on EV purchases or provide free charging for a certain period of time. These incentives help to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to customers. Remember: advertise, advertise, advertise to widen your net of potential program participants.

Invest in Renewable Energy Sources

Another solution is to invest in renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels and provides a cleaner source of energy for electric vehicles. By using clean energy to charge EVs, the environmental benefits can be maximized. This can also help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve the overall sustainability of the transportation sector, and may likely prove lucrative to savvy energy market investors.

Implement Demand Flexibility Initiatives

Utilities can also implement demand response (DR) programs for electric vehicles. Demand response programs encourage EV owners to charge their vehicles during times of low demand, such as overnight or during the middle of the day. This minimizes the need for new power plants and other costly infrastructure while reducing the overall electricity cost through both conservation efforts and by employing clean energy to meet demand.

Earth Day Tips for Managing Electric Vehicles (EVs) Conclusion

As we’ve pointed out: electric vehicles aren’t coming, they’re here already, and the demand they represent will only increase with time. Utility companies have a unique opportunity to promote sustainable energy practices and reduce our carbon footprint. By promoting electric vehicles and providing resources and incentives for their customers to manage their EVs in an eco-friendly way, utility companies can make a significant impact on the environment. Let’s all work together this Earth Day and beyond to promote sustainability and protect our planet for future generations.