An Integrated Transportation Network and Power Grid Simulation Approach for Assessing Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles

This study develops an integrated approach that includes EV charging and power generation to assess the complex cross-sector interactions of vehicle electrification and its environmental impact. The charging load from on-road EV operation is developed based on a regional-level transportation simulation and charging behavior simulation, considering different EV penetration levels, congestion levels, and charging strategies. The emissions from EGUs are estimated from a dispatch study in a power grid simulation using the charging load as a major input. A case study of Austin, Texas is performed to quantify the environmental impact of EV adoption on both on-road and EGU emission sources at the regional level. The results demonstrate the range of emission impact under a combination of factors.