Evaluating the Equity in Distribution Grid Access with California’s Electric Vehicle Expansion

The transition to a decarbonized energy system is creating significant changes in the electricity distribution grid, particularly with the rapid uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). This study explores the equity implications of these changes by analyzing distribution grid upgrade needs across various communities in California. Utilizing real-world distribution grid data and detailed simulations of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty EV charging behaviors, we assess the spatial disparities in grid resource upgrade needs and utilization. Our findings reveal that by 2035, with the growth in EV charging demand, high-density residential areas are expected to have a higher fraction of feeders that will need an upgrade. Additionally, communities with higher CalEnviroScreen scores (indicating greater pollution and socioeconomic burdens) generally exhibit lower EV adoption rates, and are expected to have a higher share of feeders that will need upgrade, while needing smaller upgrade sizes on average. Despite the difference in capacity upgrade needs among different communities, the costs versus benefits out of the upgraded distribution grid resources is expected to be quite proportional among different communities. While the top 20% disadvantaged communities need less upgrade, their utilization of these resources is also less than other communities.