Integration of PHEVs and EVs: Experience from Canada

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV) are promoted in many jurisdictions worldwide as a way of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing green house gases. In Canada, most utilities have initiatives in this area, with the aim to assess the impact on their electric grid of the wide scale deployment of these vehicles. There is also a significant interest on the part of international car manufacturers to supply vehicles to the local market, and on the part of equipment manufacturers to develop specialized components for this market. This paper summarizes the Canadian initiatives undertaken by utilities, in collaboration with car manufacturers, and by governments and government laboratories, and other stakeholders.