According to the report, electric vehicles will likely use a lot of electricity, but improving the efficiency to support them could significantly reduce the need for new grid infrastructure, cut energy use and potentially potentially saving consumers billions of dollars. a new study from the nonprofit utility EPRI and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Research shows that by 2050, electric charging for passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks could equal 65% of today’s total grid demand. But researchers predict that improvements in electric vehicle efficiency could cut energy consumption in half over the next 30 years, reducing total grid demand from electric vehicles by 20%.
Research indicates that aerodynamics, reduced rolling resistance, powertrain improvements and weight reduction are possible paths to achieving efficiency improvements. If this can be done without increasing vehicle costs — admittedly not guaranteed — it could save consumers $200 billion in energy-related costs, according to the study. carriage.
Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle charging center in Sandy Springs, Georgia
However, the researchers are aiming for some ambitious goals. The study assumes a cut from today’s 4,104-pound curb weight for a 300-mile EV to 1,952 pounds later — as well as a 50 percent reduction in tire rolling resistance.
It also means more miles with less battery material, which will significantly reduce the environmental impact of electric vehicles. This is essentially what it is Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently said he need in the form of a battery breakthrough, but it gets there in a variety of ways, not just with batteries.
To estimate the growth of electric vehicles and other demand, the U.S. electric grid would need to nearly double by 2050 compared to 2022, according to estimates. Energy Information Administration (DTM). But studies have suggested that even without such radical gains in electric vehicle performance, they will Reduce long-term electricity costs. Renewable energy could generate about half of the world’s grid power by 2050, but ideas like Virtual power plant of electric vehicles will also play a role.
Volta charger
However, electric vehicles may not wait for grid improvements. As the American Lung Association emphasized in 2020, Switch to electric vehicles faster will save thousands of lives and $185 billion by 2050. And according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the industry will need to maintain the pace at which it may have slipped—reaching 60 million sales. % of electric vehicles globally as needed to be achieved net zero emissions by 2050.
With all that in mind, an important short-term goal may be to convince more utilities not to scare away electric vehicle drivers and home electrification by increase electricity prices—has recently reached 20% or more in some areas.
