Many indications that the electricity grid must be strengthened to cope with the growing electric car trend

By: Thomas Ström 10/1/20

A while ago, I listened to an interview on Swedish Radio with a professor at Luleå University of Technology. It turned out that interesting discoveries had been made regarding our electricity grid. In a so-called stress test, researchers at the university have identified that the Swedish electricity grid most certainly needs to be strengthened in order to cope with the expected upswing of electric cars.

Sarah Rönnberg is an associate professor in electric power technology at Luleå University of Technology. She explained to Swedish Radio what had emerged in their test, i.e. that there is a great risk that lights start flashing, microwave ovens start to make noise and that other electronic equipment can be affected when more people charge their electric cars in our electricity grid.

In addition to the researchers, representatives from power companies also took part in the test, which was carried out in Arjeplog. Together, they made mainly positive observations, but Sarah Rönnberg believes that preventive measures are needed to reduce the risk of poorer electricity quality when the electric car trend picks up speed.

She was supported by the power companies' representatives, who were present to see how the electricity grid reacted. One of the representatives was Peter Söderström, head of Vattenfall electricity distribution's innovation department. Afterwards, he concluded that a larger expansion of the electricity grid is probably required, compared to what was previously assumed.  

More news in the debate about electric scooters

About a week ago, Voi, which is one of the companies that rent out electric scooters, announced that scooters will be stopped from being used at night in Copenhagen. It is done as a direct measure to prevent drunk driving and accidents with, among other things, nasty head injuries. I wrote about this a few weeks ago.

I think this is completely correct.

However, my question is: When will the same thing be introduced in Sweden?
At present, the company has no plans regarding this.

Thomas Ström