Tesla Model 3 Changing EV Charging Demand — Study
Today’s electric cars have larger batteries that need higher power to recharge them. Could that be a problem for utility companies?
Today’s electric cars have larger batteries that need higher power to recharge them. Could that be a problem for utility companies?
As electric cars become more pervasive (hello, Tesla Model 3), the potential stress on the country’s electric grid increases. Many local utilities now offer Time of Use (TOU) plans to encourage consumers to shift their electricity usage from times of peak demand to times of low demand. TOU plans typically offer discounted rates on electricity used off-peak (normally at night or weekends) and surcharges on electricity used during peak hours (typically during the day on weekdays). But there are other ways to encourage a shift to off-peak power usage. One of these ways is the SmartCharge NY program.
One of the benefits of being an early adopter (or first follower) of clean energy solutions is the incentives available to help lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. Many national, state, and local governments offer some forms of incentives for consumers to make the switch from fossil fuels to electricity; to upgrade from gasoline or diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). In some locations, you can even get some financial help when you install an EV charging station at your home or business.
FleetCarma has partnered with Consolidated Edison to help New York customers lower the cost of charging their electric cars through the SmartCharge New York program. In general, the electricity needed to charge a battery costs about half the price of gasoline. But utility rates vary depending on time of day. Charging your car during off-peak hours can save you a lot of money compared to peak rates and it helps the utility company to balance grid demand.
As Hurricane Irma approaches the “Sunshine State” of Florida, it’s a wonder to own a Tesla. Yes, it’s the safest car in the world, but, it’s also a pleasure to avoid the hours-long gas station lines that are plaguing the residents of Florida. After all, our “gas” station is right in our garage. And Tesla’s Florida supercharger stalls remain open for business with no wait to plug in — at least not yet. But that’s not all…
By Beaudry Kock The smart grid will only live up to its promise if utilities and grid operators spur innovation and engagement by relinquishing their tight control of grid data and consumer energy profiles; and if consumers who can store and generate energy are given true ownership credit and a piece of the revenue … [continued]
Originally published on Planetsave. You should know by now that electric vehicles can save you good money. It costs ~3 to 4 times less to drive an electric vehicle (EV) than to drive a gasmobile. So, even though EVs often cost a bit more up front, the lifetime cost of … [continued]