Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle impacts on hourly electricity demand in the United States

In this study we explore the effects of different charging behaviors of PHEVs in the United States on electricity demand profiles and energy use, in terms of time of day and location (at home, the workplace, or public areas). Based on driving behavior statistics on vehicle distance traveled and daily trips (US DOT, 2003) in the US, we develop a simulation algorithm to estimate the PHEV charging profiles of electricity demand with plausible plug-in times and depth of discharge of the PHEVs. The model enables simulations of the impacts of various grid management strategies on the availability of vehicle charging in public places, the charge power levels and standards, scheduling charging in off-peak periods and policy measures to promote PHEV adoption. PHEV charging imposes a modest pressure on system load on the order of 560–910 Wp per vehicle. We find that enabling charging in places other than home increases the daily electric energy use of PHEV from 24% to 29% (1.5–2 kWh/day). Major findings of the different scenarios are that PHEVs with a 20 mile range (PHEV-20) shift 45–65% of vehicle miles traveled in the United States to electricity, compared with 65–80% for PHEVs with a 40 mile range (PHEV-40).