Electric Vehicles and Their Impact on the Electric Distribution System: A Case Study of the Urban Feeder in Portoviejo

Abstract

In Portoviejo, the current use of electric vehicles (EVs) is limited compared to conventional vehicles. How-ever, due to the implementation of laws, regulations, and policies promoting electric mobility in Ecuador, a significant increase in the integration of EVs into the city’s electrical system is anticipated in the coming years. To anticipate the impact on the electrical infras-tructure, a simulation is conducted using CYMDIST software on an electrical distribution feeder oper-ated by the Public Company Corporación Nacional de Electricidad (CNEL EP), Manabí Business Unit (Portoviejo). The simulation considers three scenarios projected for 2030: 1. Baseline scenario without EV integration, 2. Unrestrained EV integration, and 3. Managed EV integration. This research aims to simulate the integration of up to 230 EVs into the network to provide benchmark data for understanding the potential impacts on the feeder as EV adoption increases, with vehicles being charged over extended periods. The investigation will highlight the impor-tance of demand management with EV integration, demonstratingsignificant effects on the demand curve, voltage profile, and total harmonic distortion rate (THD%) of a 13.8 kV distribution feeder.