Climate and economic impacts from reinforcement of the distribution grid due to different EV charging strategies

Other conference contribution, 2025

This paper assesses the climate impact brought on the distribution grid by the replacement of transformers to accommodate the foreseen load increase due to the full electrification of the light vehicle fleet in Sweden. A synthetic model of the entire Swedish distribution grid is used to estimate the need for additional transformers when assuming different charging strategies for the vehicles. This need for additional capacity is combined with a life cycle assessment of transformers of different power ratings to estimate the climate impact that each strategy would have. The results show significant differences in how much grid replacement is needed between the different charging strategies, which results in significant differences in costs and climate impacts. The highest economic burden and climate impact are seen when vehicles charge directly upon arrival at the home location, while lower impacts are seen when they charge when electricity prices are lower.