Modeling the impact of EVs in the Chinese power system: Pathways for implementing emissions reduction commitments in the power and transportation sectors

The deployment of renewable electricity and electric vehicles (EVs) provides a synergistic opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of both China's power and transportation sectors. Here, we evaluate the potential impacts of EVs by utilizing the SWITCH-China model designed to meet emissions constraints within its power sector while integrating the electrified transportation sector. We focus on how various EV stocks, and charging strategies (unmanaged versus smart charging) impact the power sector, in terms of generation and hourly grid operation, the capacity mix, and achieving the Paris Agreement goals. Large-scale deployment of EVs increases the need for generation capacity, while the implementation of smart charging requires 6.8%-14% less additional storage capacity. We calculate that power system integration costs to incorporate EVs range from $228 - $352 per EV. We show that a smart charging strategy saves between $43 and $123 per vehicle more annually in 2050 than a case with the same EV stock where the charging is unmanaged. Our results suggest that a 140 GW annual growth of renewables from 2020 to 2050, coupled with an aggressive EVs deployment using smart charging can put China solidly on a path to meet its ambitious carbon cap targets.

Automated summary

The deployment of renewable electricity and electric vehicles offers a unique opportunity to accelerate decarbonization in both China's power and transportation sectors. By utilizing the SWITCH-China model, the impacts of EVs on the power sector were evaluated, showing that large-scale EV deployment increases the need for generation capacity, with smart charging strategies reducing the additional storage capacity required. The study demonstrates that smart charging strategies can save costs compared to unmanaged charging and can help China meet its ambitious carbon targets.