Impact of electrical vehicle charging stations on the electric grid : lessons learnt and challenges

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Mariscotti, Andrea and Gallareta, Alexander and Seferi, Yljon and Bhagat, Sahil and Stewart, Brian G. and Fernandez, Igor and De la Vega, David and Burt, Graeme (2026) Impact of electrical vehicle charging stations on the electric grid : lessons learnt and challenges. Smart Cities, 9 (8). 127. ISSN 2624-6511 (https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities9080127)

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Abstract

The ambitious roadmap for a sustainable transport system adopted by the European Commission (EC) by 2050 includes the deployment of an extensive Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCSs) infrastructure, which introduces significant challenges for distribution power grids. High power demand, particularly from fast-charging systems, may lead to network overloading and voltage unbalance. In addition, recent measurement campaigns highlight substantial changes in grid impedance and the emergence of resonance phenomena, together with the injection and propagation of high-frequency conducted disturbances. These effects extend over a wide frequency range, up to several hundreds of kHz, causing degradation, aging and malfunction of network assets, in particular Power Line Communications. This paper provides a comprehensive and updated review of the impact of EVCSs on electrical grids, covering power flow, power quality, stability, and impedance-related interactions. Particular attention is given to the role of power-electronic converters, high-frequency emissions, and the associated challenges in measurement and standardization. The analysis highlights that EVCS integration fundamentally alters the nature of electrical loads, requiring new approaches for grid planning, monitoring, and regulation. The study identifies key research gaps and outlines future directions to ensure the reliable and sustainable integration of electromobility into modern power systems.

ORCID iDs

Mariscotti, Andrea, Gallareta, Alexander, Seferi, Yljon ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4082-1949, Bhagat, Sahil, Stewart, Brian G. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8084-573X, Fernandez, Igor, De la Vega, David and Burt, Graeme ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0315-5919;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)