Abstract
In recent years, air pollution and climate change issues have pushed people worldwide to switch to using electric vehicles (EVs) instead of gas-driven vehicles. Unfortunately, most distribution system facilities are neither designed nor well prepared to accommodate these new types of loads, which are characterized by random and uncertain behavior. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive investigation of EVs' effect on a realistic distribution system. It provides a technical evaluation and analysis of a real distribution system's load and voltage drop in the presence of EVs under different charging strategies. In addition, this investigation presents a new methodology for managing EV loads under a dynamic response strategy in response to the distribution system's critical hours. The proposed methodology is applied to a real distribution network, using the Monte Carlo method and the CYME program. Random driver behavior is taken into account in addition to various factors that affect EV load parameters. Overall, the results show that the distribution system is significantly affected by the addition of EV charging loads, which create a severe risk to feeder limits and voltage drop. However, a significant reduction in the impact of EVs can be achieved if a proper dynamic demand response programme is implemented. We hope that the outcomes of this investigation will provide decision-makers and planners with prior knowledge about the expected impact of using EVs and, consequently, enable them to take the proper actions needed to manage such load.