What’s the big deal with charging EVs at night?
The findings reveal that if most drivers end up switching to EVs over the next decade (as is expected), the current charging trends could increase energy strain on the U.S. power grid by as much as 25%. This is mainly because people charge their EVs at night, which is when energy consumption is highest (and most expensive).
Why is charging EVs at night not recommended in the near future?
For many Americans—other than those who work from home—during the morning and afternoon, they’re at work, running errands, or in class. But when they get home in the evening, the lights come on, the TV gets turned on, appliances are running, and for EV owners, their car is on the charger.
The study notes that if most people only charge their EVs at night, especially once 30-40% of car owners have an EV, the grid might not be able to take the added use without infrastructure changes.
What does the Stanford study recommend we do about charging EVs?
Another easy tip for drivers when it comes to their EV: Set a timer so that the vehicle begins charging exactly at 11 pm. This will save them money, as energy companies charge less during non-peak hours, and it will also help reduce the burden of charging EVs on the U.S. power grid.
Also included in the study was the fact that the U.S. government is taking measures to reduce the strain caused by charging EVs—and that this implementation process should be complete by the end of the decade.
Don’t let high EV insurance rates put a strain on you
