Currently we are told the power grid struggles to handle the power load demand during the summer due to air conditioners. Yet scientists claim this same power grid could handle an entire nation of EVs. How? What am I missing?
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Air conditioners consumer about 4 kw per hr and tend to do so all at the same time (mega hot day). It’s not every day, it’s not all day but tends to overwhelm the grid because the grid isn’t designed for that load requirement.
Electric cars will consume at a similar or even higher rate but will do so predictably and regularly so the grid will be prepped for it. And tbey will largely do so at night.
To expand capacity for 100% electric cars would take about 10 years and 100% electric cars is at least 30 years away.
The ‘the grid can’t take it’ is an anti electric car myth propagated by media hit pieces…media outlets whose biggest customers for ads are legacy car makers and oil companies. Don’t believe the hype
My husband does R&D for a power company and they are currently working towards making EVs sort of back up batteries that can support the grid while they are plugged in. Essentially you would be able to sell energy back to the grid if the battery on your EV is charged.
I’m just curious, if my electricity is produced by natural gas, wouldn’t that mean my car is essentially powered by natural gas? I’m sure there’s an 18 minute YouTube video explaining how it’s different but I’ve recently wondered.
On the a/c peak times: solar cells don’t charge all the time but they are at their best at the same time the a/cs are pulling their hardest. As EVs become more commonplace, so will rooftop solar. Furthermore, the people who are more likely to have EVs are also the ones who are more likely to have PVs. It should balance out over time.
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