A scenario-based study on the impacts of electric vehicles on energy consumption and sustainability in Alberta

Canada has committed to the Paris Agreement and aims to reduce its emissions to 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. One of the Canadian provinces with a significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta due to its fossil fuel extraction, electricity generation from coal-fired power plants, and the transport sector. In this paper, we examine the energy and greenhouse emissions impacts of electric vehicles on Alberta's electricity and transport systems. We utilize a hybrid simulation model and develop a new component to model electric vehicle fleets. The adapted model is used to investigate the impact of six scenarios with varying assumptions about electric vehicle penetration rates and charging strategies. The analysis shows that the adaptation of electric vehicles can contribute to Alberta's 2030 emissions reduction target of 30% below 2005 levels. About a third of Alberta's 2030 greenhouse emissions reduction target can be achieved through the measures to reduce greenhouse emissions from electricity generation and adaptation of electric vehicles for passenger transportation.