Utility strategies for electric vehicles

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment

OSTI ID:46036

Ford, A ^[1]

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1. Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States)

This article examines EVs from the point of view of the electric utility company. The first objective is to examine the impacts on the utility if EVs were to sell at or above the levels called for by California Air Resources Board mandates. The author begins by describing the assumptions adopted for eight EV scenarios selected in the recent case study of the Southern California Edison (SCE) system. The author summarizes the likely impacts on electric utility loads, system operations, revenue requirements and the average electric rate. He concludes that EVs can lead to improved load shapes, improved efficiency of power plant operations, and a possible reduction in the overall electric rate. Of course, EVs also contribute to an improvement in air quality in southern California. But the emissions benefits and the subsequent air quality benefits are not the focus of the article. The benefits of EVs raise the question of whether the utility should contribute financial incentives to promote the sale of EVs. He addresses this question with special attention to the impact on the average ratepayer. He argue`s that it is difficult for the utility to finance an incentive program without raising the average electric rate. He concludes with a discussion of the circumstances under which a utility EV program could provide rate benefits rather than rate penalties to the average ratepayer.

• OSTI ID: 46036
• Journal Information: Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, Journal Name: Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 14; ISSN 1048-5236; ISSN SEENEJ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
CALIFORNIA
COMPILED DATA
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
LOAD MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
POWER DEMAND
RATE STRUCTURE