Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released GridUp, a publicly available, state-of-the-art tool that helps utilities forecast when and where power demands will materialize from EV charging.
The GridUp tool has the ability to forecast EV power needs at the census-block group level, providing decision makers with the information they need to quickly and accurately upgrade the grid to meet increased demand.
The creation of GridUp was made possible with a grant from FedEx.
The detailed information provided by GridUp will help mitigate unnecessary expenditures for utilities and infrastructure planners by reducing the uncertainties surrounding what to build – and where.
GridUp will provide insights into which areas will see the largest amounts of EV growth, and what will drive that growth; how much energy will be needed to support charging in each area; and what kinds of charging locations will need to be built in specific areas.
“One of the most consequential barriers to widespread transportation electrification is the grid’s ability to reliably provide the power required for vehicle charging,” said Clay Stranger, managing director at RMI, in a statement. “GridUp addresses this barrier by projecting when and where EVs will need power with granular detail, enabling utilities, cities, and states to make informed planning and investment decisions. This will help provide charging that is equitable, ubiquitous, and available where and when it is needed most.”
Read more here.