EVs are breaking the grid, but could they also save it?

The double role of EVs

Electric cars (EVs) are often hailed as a cornerstone of the fight against climate change and towards a more sustainable future, offering a cleaner alternative to ICE (internal combustion engine) cars.

But as EV adoption surges, their increased energy demand places unprecedented strain on ageing electricity grids. Nowhere is becoming more clear than in California, where the state has one of the highest EV adoption rates in the U.S. But as more residents charge their cars, particularly in the evening during on-peak demand, the localised strain on the grid has become a recurring issue.

In 2020, during a series of heatwaves, California experienced rolling blackouts partly due to the grid’s inability to handle the simultaneous demand from residential power use and EV charging. The situation was further complicated by the variability of renewable energy sources like solar, which generate less power in the evenings. 

This case demonstrates the critical challenge of balancing EV energy demand with grid capacity, particularly in regions with ageing infrastructure and high renewable energy reliance. However, innovative strategies are emerging to address these challenges that paradoxically can make the EVs part of a bigger effort in balancing renewable energy production.

The grid under pressure

Most of the problems posed by the rapid rise of EVs are down to a sharp increase in electricity consumption, especially during peak hours or during hours of low renewable energy generation.

Most people will come back from work and connect their cars, coincidentally at the same hours as already peak residential energy use. This repeated behaviour generates spikes, that lead to localised demand. Combined with the old grid, this has led to inefficiencies, with losses of up to 10%, and reliance on fossil-fuel-based backup systems to handle the load, negating in return the Carbon Saved by the EVs.

Last year, the Dutch grid operator Stedin proposed to deactivate the public EV charging stations during peak hours, specifically from 4 PM to 9 PM, specifically to alleviate the increasing strain on the nation’s power grid. Their concern was that the concurrent demand could lead to localised overloads, and shutdowns, especially in areas with older infrastructure.

This example underlines the challenges faced by grid operators in integrating the rising number of electric vehicles into existing power grids without compromising the environmental benefits they offer.

The opportunity: how EVs can be part of the solution

Despite the challenges, EVs have the potential to become an important part of the solution in the quest for grid stability.

While technological improvements in EVs are driving consumer adoption, modernisation of the grid will take time and political will. The likelihood is that consumers will play a bigger role in stabilising the grid than energy operators in the short to medium term.

By leveraging smart technologies and adopting conscious charging behaviours, EV owners can transform from passive users into active participants in maintaining a resilient energy system.

1. Smart charging

The introduction of Smart Meters allows for smart charging technologies to charge EVs when renewable energy is abundant or grid demand is low. This removes the stress from the users of remembering to charge on off-peak periods, avoid overuse during peak periods and ensures that surplus energy from solar or wind is effectively utilised. Some chargers can even dynamically adjust charging speeds based on grid conditions, aligning individual usage with broader energy needs.

2. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Increasingly, the electric car come with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology: this enables EVs to act as mobile batteries for the residential premises. By discharging stored energy back into the grid during peak times, EVs can help balance supply and demand, reducing the need for fossil-fuel backups. This concept transforms EVs from mere consumers into valuable contributors to grid stability.

3. Incentives

Energy providers are increasingly offering demand-response programs and time of use (TOU) tariffs to incentivise off-peak electricity use. By charging vehicles overnight or scheduling appliances to run during low-demand periods, consumers not only reduce their electricity bills but also play a role in mitigating grid stress.

4. Renewable energy and storage

Installing a solar system is also increasingly popular among EV owners. Pairing solar panels with home batteries can amplify the impact of renewable energy and optimise costs. Storing excess solar power during the day and using it to charge EVs at night creates a self-sufficient energy loop, reducing dependency on the grid while supporting renewable integration.

How EV owners can lead the charge

User empowerment is the key to changing this problem into an opportunity: as an EV owner, you hold the power to drive change. By adopting conscious charging habits, using smart technologies, and taking advantage of incentives, you can help reshape the energy landscape. These efforts not only support the grid but also help the electrification of the transport system and ultimately fulfil the promise of EVs as a sustainable alternative to ICE cars.

It’s easy to overlook the individual impact in the broader energy transition, but the collective actions of drivers can create ripples of change. Every decision — whether it’s charging during off-peak hours or participating in a V2G program — contributes to a more stable, efficient, and renewable-powered grid.

Breaking the grid to save it

The challenges posed by EVs to the grid are undeniable and opponents of EVs will be quick to point the problems out, but they also highlight a critical opportunity. With the right technologies, policies, and consumer engagement, EVs can transition from being a burden on the grid to a fundamental part of its solution.

By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can ensure that EVs drive not only cleaner roads but also a smarter, more resilient energy system.

In the end, the question is not just whether EVs can save the grid — but whether you’re ready to be part of the solution.