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Spatial Impacts of Electric Vehicle Charging on Power Grid Stability: A Downtown Atlanta Case Study

by Meiyu Pan, Wan Li, Jin Dong, Chieh Wang
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Book Title
International Conference on Transportation and Development 2025
Publication Date
Page Numbers
567 to 579
Publisher Location
Virginia, United States of America
Conference Name
ASCE International Conference on Transportation and Development (ICTD)
Conference Location
Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
Conference Sponsor
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Conference Date
-

The rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) charging demand poses a potential risk to power grid stability, particularly as the spatial distribution of this demand remains underexplored. Existing research often focuses on technical optimization models while overlooking the geographic and human dynamics that affect energy consumption. This study addresses this gap by incorporating mobility data to estimate both building energy use and EV charging demand while also considering geographic factors for a better understanding of grid load. Using agent-based simulations and the Open-Source Distribution System Simulator, the study evaluates the effect of various EV penetration scenarios on grid voltage and unbalance. The results show that, although voltage remains within acceptable limits at lower EV penetration rates, significant voltage drop and unbalance occur as EV penetration exceeds 40%, particularly in residential areas with high charging demand. This study offers a framework for integrating spatial analysis and mobility data in power network simulations, providing insights for future EV infrastructure planning.