The invisible burden: How much strain do electric vehicles put on infrastructure?

Electric vehicle use is rapidly increasing in Türkiye thanks to government incentives, tax advantages, and environmental awareness. However, the real question is: How ready is the country's infrastructure for this transformation? Is our current grid strong enough to handle widespread electric vehicle adoption?

The number of electric vehicles could reach 2.5 million by 2030.

According to the SHURA Energy Transformation Center's 2024 report, "Integration of Electric Vehicles into Turkey's Distribution Networks," approximately 80,000 electric vehicles will be on Turkish roads by the end of 2023. This number is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2030, equivalent to a vehicle penetration of approximately 10%.

CAN BE DISTRIBUTED WITH SMART CHARGING

At this level, the additional load on the grid is only 1% of Türkiye's total electricity consumption. If this load is distributed evenly throughout the day using smart charging systems, additional infrastructure investment may not even be necessary.

Precautions needed for high-power demand points

However, when it comes to high-power demands, such as peak charging at certain times of the day and fast charging stations, the existing grid may not be sufficient. According to SHURA, high-power DC charging stations, especially those built in city centers and along highways, could significantly strain regional substations.

Because:

Strengthening of transformer substations

Incorporating the EV density factor into network planning

Charging points need to be positioned according to time distribution.

EMRA AND MINISTRY OF ENERGY INVESTMENT PLANS

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources envisions a total investment of $3 billion for electric vehicle infrastructure and charging networks by 2030.

EMRA began licensing charging operators and infrastructure standardization with the “Charging Network Regulation” at the end of 2023.

Incentive mechanisms for publicly supported charging station investments are in place in 81 provinces.

LOAD MANAGEMENT IS POSSIBLE WITH SMART SYSTEMS

With the mandatory implementation of smart charging systems, demand-side management (e.g., night tariffs), and supporting strategies such as the integration of domestic battery production and energy storage solutions, the load on the grid becomes manageable.

THE NETWORK IS READY FOR 10-15% PENETRATION, PLANNING IS A MUST FOR MORE

In other words, the grid is ready for 10-15% penetration in its current state, but for more, smart planning, investments and technology-based load management are essential.

Türkiye is prepared but needs controlled growth

Türkiye is prepared, but controlled growth is essential. Current vehicle numbers are not straining infrastructure. A major infrastructure crisis is not expected in the short term.

However, if usage exceeds 20 percent, problems such as local blockages, outages and low voltage may occur if there is no investment and planning.

CRITICAL KEY FOR THE FUTURE: DATA-DRIVEN NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Smart charging systems, grid modernization, and data-based management are critical for the future. Success in the electric vehicle transition will be measured not only by the number of vehicles but also by the infrastructure's ability to support this growth.

THE COST OF ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION: HOW MUCH FOSSIL FUEL IS REQUIRED?

According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, a total of 3,479 TWh of electricity was consumed in Türkiye in 2024. Projections for 2025 project that 1% of this consumption will be from electric vehicles. This translates to approximately 3.48 TWh of electricity. If this amount of electricity were generated solely from oil, it is estimated that approximately 5.34 million barrels of oil would have been consumed.

Source: Headline News – News Center