Network operator Stedin calls on charging station operators to switch off charging stations for electric cars between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This is especially true for urban areas. According to the organization, this is necessary to relieve the overcrowded power grid during those hours. That is the time when many people come home every day and turn on all kinds of appliances, which means there is a lot of demand for electricity.
“Stedin is pulling out all the stops to expand the electricity grid. We will invest at least 8 billion euros until 2030. But that won’t get us there,” Stedin CEO Koen Bogers said in a statement. “Particularly in the evening peak, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., and on sunny spring and summer days, it is bursting at the seams.”
It is known that thousands of companies across the country are already on the waiting list for a power connection. Stedin, active in most of South Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht, says it is calling on consumers, companies and governments to jointly reduce the pressure on the grid.
For every charging station that is deployed during the peak hours mentioned, the grid operator could roughly connect an additional new-build home to the grid. “Charging cars around dinner time is not necessary for everyone. This can also be done at other times of the day, for example when there is a lot of solar power available or at night when the grid is quieter.”
The Electric Drivers Association, which stands up for users of electric transport, reacts with surprise. Experiments are already underway with smarter charging, with charging stations charging less hard at busy times. But in Stedin’s opinion, that is not enough.
The association finds this conclusion “remarkable” and speaks of a “rigorous measure” that would affect people with electric cars. “It does not help to increase the popularity of electric driving.” According to the association, demand for electric cars is already under pressure due to a combination of taxes and relatively high prices.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl