As constrained grids potentially hamper EV charging, renewable off-grid microgrids may present a solution, finds research from IDTechEx.
According to the Cambridge-based company, which predicts over 180 million EVs will be sold annually by 2044, in their report, Off-Grid Charging For Electric Vehicles 2024-2034: Technologies, Benchmarking, Players and Forecasts.
In review of IDTechEx, which provides research on emerging technologies and their markets, although the adoption of EVs across all sectors will contribute to a drastic reduction in tailpipe emissions, for economies where grids are already at capacity, the increased load of an electric transport sector risks blackouts and power supply issues.
In their report, IDTechEx states that EV fleet operators often must charge at predesignated times to maximise uptime and complete all planned routes.
However, if the grid fails during a charging spot, the entire schedule may be adversely affected by factors beyond an operator’s control.
Renewable Microgrids: A Potential Solution
To demonstrate a potential solution, IDTechEx references the South African utility grid, which is subject to frequent load-shedding, periods when demand exceeds supply and utility operators are forced to impose rolling black or brownouts of up to 50% capacity.
A solution being trailed in South Africa, they state, amongst other places, is harnessing distributed renewable microgrids to form the backbone of charging networks.
Specifically, by integrating a solar farm, large-scale energy storage and high-powered charging outlets, Vredendal-based Zero Carbon Charge plans to build an etruck charging network, decoupling charging from an unreliable grid, avoiding placing excess electrical demand on utilities, avoiding the need for costly grid expansions, and providing free and 100% renewable energy for the trucks to operate on.
