Examining power grid´s capacity to meet transportation electrification demand

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are the most promising approach to reducing petroleum use. The penetration of PHEVs is not yet significant; however, they raised a question of whether the existing power system can handle the extra load. Uncertainty arising from various factors such as charging-start time, vehicle type, miles driven, and the existing power grid load profile have motivated researchers to evaluate the impact of PHEVs using probabilistic approaches. The present study develops a model for examining the existing power system capacity to meet the PHEV load demand. The analysis considers PHEV charging as a stochastic event, and it is carried out in a discrete event simulation environment. As case studies, the model is applied to two different regions in the United States.