Electromobility – the Importance of Power Quality and Environmental Sustainability

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in a gradual shift towards low-carbon society. However, the impact of electromobility on a power system includes different power quality problems that need to be mitigated. Power Quality Analyzer SONEL PQM-700 was used for the measurement and analysis of the power quality parameters during slow charging (at ̴11A, ̴8,3 A and ̴5,5 A) of a BMW i3 electric vehicle. The read-out mode of the device was considered. The state of EV charge was 30%. The measurements focused on the values of supply voltage, drawn current, harmonics, values of active, reactive and apparent power. In this study, type 2 connector was used to charge the EV. The power quality parameters during the BMW i3 charging were within limits, not a single parameter was exceeded. Additionally, the current state of electric vehicle charging methods and EV charging infrastructure was described and power conditioning solutions were presented.