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Zone substations' readiness to embrace electric vehicle adoption: Brisbane case study

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  • Quintero Fuentes, Abel
  • Hickman, Mark
  • Whitehead, Jake

Abstract

This study proposes a methodology to quantify the impact of electric vehicle (EV) adoption on distribution zone substations, focusing on varying adoption levels and charging patterns. Using real-world data from South East Queensland, substation capacity is evaluated under emergency cyclic capacity (ECC) limits, considering one equipment down (n-1) conditions and scenarios with all equipment operational. Typical daily EV charging patterns and rare high-demand events, such as simultaneous EV charging, are analysed to identify potential overload risks. Results show that 78–93 % of substations can accommodate 100 % EV fleet penetration under normal conditions, while the remainder require further evaluation to assess compliance with technical standards. This methodology provides a comprehensive framework for understanding substation resilience, emphasising the need to consider both typical and exceptional EV charging behaviours. The findings highlight critical areas for detailed analysis to ensure network reliability under increasing EV adoption and evolving charging demands.

Suggested Citation

  • Quintero Fuentes, Abel & Hickman, Mark & Whitehead, Jake, 2025. "Zone substations' readiness to embrace electric vehicle adoption: Brisbane case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225011612
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135519
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