Systemwide Considerations for Electrification of Transportation in Islands and Remote Locations

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent an important socio-economic development opportunity for islands and remote locations because they can lead to reduced fuel imports, electricity storage, grid services, and environmental and health benefits. This paper presents an overview of opportunities, challenges, and examples of EVs in islands and remote power systems, and is meant to provide background to researchers, utilities, energy offices, and other stakeholders interested in the impacts of electrification of transportation. The impact of uncontrolled EV charging on the electric grid operation is discussed, as well as several mitigation strategies. Of particular importance in many islands and remote systems is taking advantage of local resources by combining renewable energy and EV charging. Policy and economic issues are presented, with emphasis on the need for an overarching energy policy to guide the strategies for EVs growth. The key conclusion of this paper is that an orderly transition to EVs, one that maximizes benefits while addressing the challenges, requires careful analysis and comprehensive planning.

6 The Challenges for Active Travel in the Islands of Malta

“…Populated islands with a small land area, such as many of those in the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean regions, are generally well suited to the adoption of e-mobility (O'Neill-Carrillo, Lave, & Haines, 2021). It can form an important part of making transport more sustainable and accessible.…”

4 Smart Public Transport in Barbados: Experiences with Smartphone Applications

“…Populated islands with a small land area, such as many of those in the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean regions, are generally well suited to the adoption of e-mobility (O'Neill-Carrillo, Lave, & Haines, 2021). It can form an important part of making transport more sustainable and accessible.…”

Analysing the Cost-Effectiveness of Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles in the U.K.’s Rural Areas

“…Furthermore, three levels of charger need to be installed according to the local demands to achieve high net profit [4]. The energy issues for islands and remote locations were considered in a previous study [8], with the energy consumption in charging stations estimated using machine learning and relative methods [6]. The site selection of PCS and how it influences users' daily life was developed in [5].…”

“…Due to EV users' various charging behaviours, most EV owners prefer to recharge their cars at home [7,8,11,26]. Surveys show that a small portion of charging events occur in public charging points [20].…”

“…EVs impact local and regional electricity grids as well [7]. EVs bring a socioeconomic development opportunity for islands and remote locations due to the reduction of fuel imports [8].…”