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I'd be concerned if a neighborhood block's electrical infrastructure is fragile enough where even 12kW shared across multiple chargers poses a hazard. I don't

I'd be concerned if a neighborhood block's electrical infrastructure is fragile enough where even 12kW shared across multiple chargers poses a hazard. I don't like how these concerns only get raised about EVs and are seldom raised over appliances that utilize far greater power over longer periods of time like individual air conditioning units

mschuster91 3y ago
> I'd be concerned if a neighborhood block's electrical infrastructure is fragile enough where even 12kW shared across multiple chargers poses a hazard. The US power grid is run down to the point it's a regular contributor in wildfires. People make memes about how bad the situation is. There are numerous YouTube videos detailing just how old a lot of the equipment and lines are. Besides, the problem is the continuous load. An air conditioner doesn't run the pump continuously for hours, while a charging post constantly consumes peak load. > I don't like how these concerns only get raised about EVs and are seldom raised over appliances that utilize far greater power over longer periods of time like individual air conditioning units FWIW yes people are talking about air conditioning, and it's already a massive hassle for grid operators to balance loads when it's extremely hot as a result. No matter what, electrical grids - and not just in the US - need a serious overhaul over the next few decades. Other than being generally old and poorly maintained, electric vehicles are just one issue... decentralized power generation, distributed battery storage, more demand for heat pumps (particularly in winter) and AC (in summer), the existing grid can't handle all that.
- rini17 3y ago
  So you should welcome EV owners dragging the utilities into 21st century, no? Who else can do it?
- matthewdgreen 3y ago
  The average US driver commutes about 30 miles per day. At Tesla mileage that’s about 7.5KWh per day. Assume the car is parked and charging for 22 hours out of the day, that works out to a continuous consumption of 341W. Obviously these numbers are all averages, but over enough vehicles that’s roughly what we’re looking at.
- redserk 3y ago
  You cannot generalize the entirety of the US electrical system. This baseless pessimism runs counter to having any productive discussion on the issue. Each region is run differently and it’s incorrect to assume the same issues in parts of the west coast apply to the Midwest, Northeast, or Mid-Atlantic. While this may not be the case for all electric grid operators in the US but the one I am under has planned for increased electrical usage by electric vehicles, datacenters, and a move from natural gas.

mschuster91 3y ago

> I'd be concerned if a neighborhood block's electrical infrastructure is fragile enough where even 12kW shared across multiple chargers poses a hazard. The US power grid is run down to the point it's a regular contributor in wildfires. People make memes about how bad the situation is. There are numerous YouTube videos detailing just how old a lot of the equipment and lines are. Besides, the problem is the continuous load. An air conditioner doesn't run the pump continuously for hours, while a charging post constantly consumes peak load. > I don't like how these concerns only get raised about EVs and are seldom raised over appliances that utilize far greater power over longer periods of time like individual air conditioning units FWIW yes people are talking about air conditioning, and it's already a massive hassle for grid operators to balance loads when it's extremely hot as a result. No matter what, electrical grids - and not just in the US - need a serious overhaul over the next few decades. Other than being generally old and poorly maintained, electric vehicles are just one issue... decentralized power generation, distributed battery storage, more demand for heat pumps (particularly in winter) and AC (in summer), the existing grid can't handle all that.

rini17 3y ago
So you should welcome EV owners dragging the utilities into 21st century, no? Who else can do it?
matthewdgreen 3y ago
The average US driver commutes about 30 miles per day. At Tesla mileage that’s about 7.5KWh per day. Assume the car is parked and charging for 22 hours out of the day, that works out to a continuous consumption of 341W. Obviously these numbers are all averages, but over enough vehicles that’s roughly what we’re looking at.
redserk 3y ago
You cannot generalize the entirety of the US electrical system. This baseless pessimism runs counter to having any productive discussion on the issue. Each region is run differently and it’s incorrect to assume the same issues in parts of the west coast apply to the Midwest, Northeast, or Mid-Atlantic. While this may not be the case for all electric grid operators in the US but the one I am under has planned for increased electrical usage by electric vehicles, datacenters, and a move from natural gas.