Impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the electric power system in the western United States

An analysis identifying future impacts on the electric power system due to additional load from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is presented. The operation of the electric power system in the western United States was simulated under a baseline scenario (i.e., without PHEVs) and three scenarios with PHEVs. The latter scenarios assumed different time periods throughout the day when PHEVs would be charging. The study assumed that PHEVs comprised 10% of the total number of light duty vehicles on the road in 2020. Results of the simulations are presented, and the potential impacts of PHEV charging on the power system's generation mix and transmission network are identified. Conclusions are drawn from the analysis that may apply to electric power systems in other parts of the United States.