The Brazilian EV charging challenge
Many countries are facing a harsh reality. The electricity supply capacity is (no longer) sized to meet demand.
In the United States and Europe, for example, with the high summer temperatures there is great concern about a possible collapse given the peaks in demand.
Brazil has been saved by its systemic poverty. A small fraction of the population has air conditioning in their homes.
But there is an important trend that can change the scenario both in Brazil and around the world. The introduction of electric cars.
The need to charge these cars is an important challenge for the electricity supply system. At stake is a conflict: the owner of the vehicle pays a variable cost to load it. But the electricity sector's value chain needs to invest in expanding supply capacity, which is an important fixed cost.
For now this "is not a topic". The choice has been to "ignore" it. And as always, we'll have to deal with the consequences afterwards. It's a shame because being proactive there would be the possibility of doing much better (lower costs).
Rafael Herzberg
Expert Member
Top Contributor