Technical Evaluation of EV Penetration in Nepal’s Distribution System

The global concern about climate change and the unstable fuel market has led to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This adoption has also been in Nepal, increasing EV penetration in Nepal’s distribution system. This paper provides a comprehensive technical evaluation of the penetration of EVs into a distribution system in Nepal, i.e., the Suryabinayak distribution feeder of Bhaktapur. The analysis is first carried out by surveying the number, daily driving distance, arrival and departure time, and existing locations of EVs in the study area, as well as the plan for the adoption of EVs. The electrical load behavior of EVs is then built using the surveyed data and the Monte Carlo method. Moreover, the distribution system of the Suryabinayak feeder is modeled in the DIgSILENT Powerfactory. Three scenarios are evaluated: Business As Usual, Nationally Determined Contribution, and Net Zero Emission scenarios. For each scenario, several electric vehicles are forecasted. The results show that the large number of lines, and transformers will be overloaded in the future under all scenarios. Moreover, undervoltage will occur at multiple places in the future. This study can be useful for the distribution system planners of Nepal, which will help in the upgrading and enhancement of the Suryabinayak feeder and help ensure a safer and more secure operation in the future.