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Originally Posted by opendoor
I don't think doubling is accurate. Most estimates I've seen with 100% electric car use is a 25-30% increase in overall electricity usage. I guess it'd depend on how much electricity a place uses now. Places like BC or Quebec that heat with electricity would need a smaller increase in overall capacity than places that don't use as much electricity currently. And given that Canada is a net exporter of electricity, in the long run we might not need to increase generation capacity all that much.
And there are also ways to mitigate the impact on the grid like different electricity rates at different times and/or smart chargers to encourage off-peak charging.
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Maybe not just from EVs, but I think at least doubling the capacity of the grid is realistic. Whether it's EVs or other uses, one of the key strategies for achieving net zero is to "electrify everything" so yeah, we're going to need
major investments in the grid.
If everybody tried to plug in and charge an electric car right now when they got home from work at ~5-6, while turning on their oven and starting to cook dinner, we'd overwhelm the grid easily.
Edit: Anywhere from 38-70% increase in capacity is needed according to Pembina institute
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Canada has a legislated commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This will require pursuing several deep decarbonization pathways including electrification of end uses such as transportation and heating buildings. A study by the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices found that all paths to net-zero emissions required more electricity — anywhere from 38% to 70% more from 2018 levels. Even though electricity currently produces only 12% of Canada’s emissions, decarbonizing electricity grids is essential as more sectors make the switch from fossil fuels. Canada’s current goal is to generate 90% of electricity from emissions-free sources by 2030 and net-zero before 2050.
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Oh and here's a good pod on grid needs in the future.
https://arcenergyinstitute.com/trans...energy-canada/