Specialized studies indicated that by 2021, there were 1.3 million electric cars on the road. The largest number are in China, followed by Europe and the United States. Projections estimate that this figure will increase fivefold by 2025 and fifteenfold by 2030.
These figures undoubtedly represent a positive impact on the market, but they also imply that the infrastructure needed to charge vehicles must be improved. If we take Europe as a benchmark, by 2030, 7 million service stations with electric charging points will be needed—22 times the current number. This is a significant challenge requiring substantial financial investment.
The charging stations needed for a 100% electric vehicle fleet would consume too much energy
However, expanding the number of charging points presents an additional problem related to the large amount of electricity that will be consumed. According to an analysis by businessinsider.com, by 2035 the energy needed to operate all battery-powered cars will be similar to that used by a small city, a projection that is certainly worrying.
Electric-vehicle charging stations could use as much power as a small town by 2035 — and the grid isn't ready
Residential grids are not ready to support mass EV adoption. https://t.co/OWqxUJu8Er
— Ian McCausland (@ianmcc) November 25, 2022
Every day, different models of electric vehicles are produced, including vans, buses, and trucks. Even so, the infrastructure of most countries is not equipped to meet future demand. A study conducted by National Grid outlines the necessary steps for the years 2025, 2035, and 2045.
For example, the study shows that the energy consumption of a typical gas station in 2030 will be equivalent to that of a stadium at peak capacity. But five years later, 19 megawatts will be required to supply trucks and private cars. However, by 2045, 30 MW will be needed —the amount required by an industrial plant—a massive expense.
None of the charging stations are capable of meeting these objectives, especially since most charging points rely on traditional electrical grids to operate, which overloads the cities' energy supply. This is where the widespread adoption of clean and green energy sources becomes crucial, serving as backup and eventually becoming the primary source of power for battery-powered vehicles.
The world's power grids are not prepared to accommodate so many stations
Given the current energy challenges, a demand of this magnitude could strain utility networks, so generating companies must prepare now for the boom ahead. A collaborative effort is needed to initially cover cities with the highest number of cars and then expand to highway access points.
Californians were urged Wednesday not to charge their electric vehicles as the state's aging power grid struggles to keep up amid a heat wave, a plea that comes days after the state announced it will halt sales of gasoline-powered cars. #AFP pic.twitter.com/UB9frAVbDT
— Agence France-Presse (@AFPespanol) September 1, 2022
However, a study published in October by Bloomberg offers some reassurance, refuting the idea of an unstoppable collapse. The researchers argue that the number of electric cars on the road in 2020 consumed only 0,2% of the world's energy share , a very small amount compared to the energy consumed by cryptocurrencies.
If current trends hold and the number of vehicles exceeds 120 million by 2040, the increase in electricity consumption will be 11%, or at most 15% . By then, a large portion of the transportation fleet must be electrified. That's about 18 years away, enough time to overcome any potential technical challenges, especially considering the projected growth rates.
One aspect that many researchers emphasize is the need to spread out charging times. To prevent the system from collapsing, car owners need to choose specific times to charge their vehicles. It would be a very bad idea for everyone to charge their cars at the same time at night. Charging times will need to be distributed throughout the day, and this way the network will function more efficiently.
Of course, circumstances vary from country to country. For example, according to real-time data from Spain's electricity grid operator, Red Eléctrica , consumption decreases after 9 p.m., while activity remains constant during the day. With a planning system, it's possible to combine energy sources and provide a quality service, regardless of increased demand from a greater number of battery-powered vehicles.
Some experts argue that electric cars will eventually be able to serve a dual purpose in emergency situations. While they will charge from charging stations, they may also be capable of supplying electricity through their intelligent systems. They would move beyond simply being energy-consuming machines, becoming part of the grid, which would be invaluable in critical moments.
As new transportation models advance, oil markets will see a significant reduction , especially since fuel will no longer be necessary for cars to run. This will have a positive impact on the decrease in carbon emissions, although we may still have to strive to ensure that the electricity produced is entirely clean. It's about changing our mindset, flipping the switch, and becoming an environmentally conscious society.
