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The range of electric vehicles (EVs) is inherently limited by the energy content of the batteries. This important and obvious limitation has caused EV battery development to become focused on batteries having the highest possible specific energies (i.e., Wh/kg). When the actual driving and buying habits of the motoring public are considered, however, it can be seen that most EV batteries are more deficient in power than in energy. Although many EV batteries can satisfy the necessary energy requirements for a viable EV, few are likely to satisfy the power needs, especially when cost is considered. This study presents an analysis of the battery power requirements based upon the characteristics of current automobiles actually purchased by the U.S. motoring public, and the energy requirements based upon actual commuter driving distances in Southern California.

The emerging national effort to commercialize electric vehicles (EVs) has significant potential for impact on utility load curves and distribution feeder systems. With the implementation of national energy goals, utilities recognize the need to identify the interactions between large-scale use of EVs and utility operations. Since utilities will have to provide the needed energy and “live with the impact”, it is appropriate and desirable that utilities participate actively in the national effort to accelerate evaluation and introduction of EVs. This paper discusses the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)/Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) demonstration program, describing the initial testing and evaluation of non-prototype EVs in a real-world environment, the demonstration design, and finally the data acquisition and reporting plans.