Electric cars create panic in Germany: What if the power grid does not cope and collapses?

“The power distribution network is not ready for the boom of electric cars seen on the horizon”, warns utility companies and some researchers. Experts from other countries say the same as well according to Handelsblatt.

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Electric cars are the future. Even german car makers, long fascinated by diesel engines, have begun to believe so. Automotive companies around the world have competed to equip as many established models as electric motors. Currently, exclusively electric vehicles have a share of less than 1% from the total of 46 million cars running in Germany, but it is estimated that by 2035 one of three cars will be electric.

Forced by Tesla's efforts and the threat of circulation bans on diesel engines in various German cities, the biggest car makers are changing their strategy. Daimler, the maker of Mercedes cars, plans to offer electric versions for each of its models in the coming years. Germany is preparing for the revolution of electric cars, but the power grid is not equipped to deal with them.

Utility companies and researchers warn that major network investments will be needed to avoid energy gaps. In order to load a car, it normally takes the same amount of energy a household uses in three days, so the networks would suffer even if a small number of cars are loaded at the same time in the same neighborhood.

Energy consumption will be higher if superchargers are used, which can fill the batteries of a car in just half an hour. Research shows that 80% of electric cars are loaded at home or work in Germany. "If everyone loads their car at 8 o'clock, the network will crumble," says Thomas Fritz, an energy analyst at Oliver Wyman.

Myself I am a supporter of electric cars, but I must say that I didn't think so in depth of the effects and requirements to sustain such an industry. When we all are in a world of speed, I am wondering how many of us would wait 8 hours for a normal recharge and how many will opt'in for a super charge. Probably most of us will use super charging which will demand significant power routed in this direction. And probably the current networks will not suffice to cover the market demand. Yes, this is the future, but it will not happen over night and beside the electrical vehicles we surely need to address and enrich the power network with alternative sources to support such an industry.