Demand on the grid is not only growing but evolving. Despite what you may be thinking, EV sales have steadily increased, and that growth is expected to continue. Automakers sold more EVs every quarter since 2021. The bulk of these sales are from individual, corporate and fleet buyers. The consumer benefits are clear.
In Colorado, Xcel is pushing for even greater incentives for EV owners. The utility is asking state regulators to allow its customers to attach on additional rebates worth up to $5,500. If approved, residents could stack rebates and incentives and qualify for as much as $19,000 in total discounts. A buyer could literally cover the price of a new, basic model EV. “In other words, the growth of electric vehicles more than pays for itself, funds customer programs and utility infrastructure and provides savings to all customers,” said Xcel Energy spokesperson, Tyler Bryant.
Recent changes to policy, regulations, and incentives are breaking down barriers but how will an increased load impact the grid? Rapid adoption of EV’s will require a more resilient infrastructure. Utilities and regulators need better modeling and data to prepare for this load. Additional grid planning, building and load management must be implemented. Can the nation’s infrastructure keep up with state goals of EV's comprising 100 percent of vehicle sales by 2035?Â
This year, at Distributech, companies like Bidgely will showcase the role AI will have in enhancing grid planning in conjunction with load management of EV charging. How's your utility planning for greater demand and what solutions will your utility employ?