Simplified: Sioux Falls could see anywhere from 7,500 to 20,000 more electric vehicles on the road in the next decade. Here's a look at how the city and utility companies are preparing.
Why it matters
- The city late last week released its Electric Vehicle Readiness Study after from nearly a year of research and work with stakeholders looking at electric vehicle trends, grid capacity, infrastructure needs and more.
- The study explains what an electric vehicle (EV) is, projected growth in the number of EVs on the road and how stakeholders – including utility companies – can best prepare for that growth.
- While the city was responsible for pulling the report together, it's not likely the city will play much of a role moving forward beyond educating the public, Environmental Services Manager Josh Peterson said.
"This really is a consumer-driven issue," he said. "One of the things we wanted to make sure of is that the city is putting this document together to make sure our consumers are informed ... There is a lot of misinformation out there, and many people just haven't explored electric vehicles yet."
Tell me more
The projected increase in electric vehicles is no surprise to local electricity providers.
- Xcel Energy, for example, has invested approximately $190 million in the power grid serving South Dakota over the past five years.
A statement from company spokesman Theo Keith said Xcel agrees with several of the study's recommendations, particularly that customers communicate with their electric provider on their EV charging needs. Xcel also agrees with the suggestion that the city track the number of registered EVs and the number of installed charging stations.
"We know electric vehicles are an option that our customers are increasingly considering when buying a vehicle, and we are committed to helping our customers and communities make the transition," the statement read.
Additionally, Sioux Valley Energy has been planning for a larger electric load in the future by using larger conductor wire, installing more transformers and placing fewer homes on individual transformers.
- The company also offers rates and rebates that incentivize customers to charge their vehicles in off-peak hours.
What happens next?
Peterson said the city will continue to keep an eye on this issue and may weigh in on ensuring consistency among public charging stations.
On the city side, he's also monitoring the first-ever EV in the city fleet, as well as a number of hybrid vehicles in the Sioux Falls Police Department fleet.
- He also encouraged anyone interested in an electric vehicles to read the city study and learn more.
