A study of the impacts of electric vehicles on Rockhampton's distribution network

The concerns of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from transport sector elevate the technological development and introduction of electric vehicle (EV). Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are one of the largest contributors of GHG emission. However EV does not emit any such pollutant gases therefore global acceptance of EVs are increasing with time. Moreover electricity required for EV is readily available and efficiently produced from different sources. Technology of EV is not matured yet, charging facility is limited and also there has been no worldwide accepted standard for EVs. The introduction of EV requires distribution power network to facilitate charging facility at different convenient spots. However it is important to understand the consequences and possible impacts on distribution network by the introduction of a good number of charging facility for this new technology EVs. Therefore this paper presents the potential impacts of EVs on the distribution network and addresses recommendations for possible remedies. It was found that EVs could create voltage unbalance and can overload the low voltage network. Installation of charging station leads to upgrade the capacity of substations.