Optimal Allocation of EV Charging Stations to Support Vast Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle Replacement

Abstract

Global warming has become a serious issue throughout the entire world. It is mainly caused by environmental pollution from burning fossil fuels. According to the California Air Resources Board, transportation is the state's single largest source of global warming emissions and air pollution. The policymakers proposed a plan that 100% of new cars and light trucks sold in California would be zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs), by 2035. In this scenario, finding optimal locations of EV charging stations (EVCSs) is highly manifested to support transition to EVs from internal combustion engine vehicles. EV integration into the existing power distribution system will help reduce not only environmental emissions but also operational costs for the utility companies, which leads to financial incentives for the EV owners and general public. This research presents ideas of identifying the optimal locations, finding appropriate charging capacities based on the types of vehicles, and improving operational performance of distribution systems. In addition, EVCSs can work in a hybrid manner where electricity is provided by utilities, solar energy, and energy storage units. By adopting the concept of microgrids, EV owners charge their vehicles during off-peak hours and unload the energy back to the grid during peak hours at higher prices. Utility companies utilize the energy to further reduce their dependency on fossil fuels to provide electricity. The PG&E 69-bus distribution system is used to find the optimal location of charging stations. The operational costs and emissions are evaluated to improve the operational performance.