How EVs Challenge and Strengthen Grid Resilience

TRANSPORTATION, CLEAN ENERGY, SMART CITIES AUGUST 2, 2025

As EV demand grows, utilities face a constant balancing act to ensure power is available when needed. But with small changes to charging habits, EV owners can help make a big impact —and help reduce the risk of outages.

Every day, more electric vehicles (EVs) hit the roads, and global momentum remains strong—driven by better battery technology, expanding charging networks, and increasing public awareness. In 2024, EV sales accounted for over 20% of new vehicle sales, and in the U.S., EVs made up around 10% of new car sales. Despite recent fluctuations in sales, projections still target EVs to reach up to 27% of U.S. passenger car sales by 2030. 

But electrifying transportation isn’t just about buying more EVs. It also means scaling up charging infrastructure, modernizing the power grid, and encouraging smart coordination between utilities and drivers to better balance energy demand.

Small Charging Shifts, Big Grid Benefits

Experts agree: utilities can generate enough electricity to power EV adoption, especially if charging is managed smartly. The bigger challenge lies in local power distribution—particularly when multiple EVs in a neighborhood charge at once during peak hours. This can overload transformers and feeder lines, increasing the risk of outages.

By adjusting when and how they charge, EV owners can help ease these pressures. Many utilities now offer demand response programs, which allow EV drivers to shift charging to off-peak times in exchange for lower rates or other incentives. 

Smart charging systems—software that responds to real-time signals from the grid—can also pause or delay charging based on current demand and pricing. This protects the grid while setting the stage for future innovations like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where EVs can eventually return stored power back to the grid. 

How Duke Energy and Itron Are Making It Work

A great example comes from Duke Energy Florida's managed charging program. Partnering with Itron, Duke Energy used behavioral nudges and smart data insights to shift EV charging away from peak evening hours. Nearly 90% of participating EV drivers changed their charging behavior—helping reduce grid stress without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.

Programs like these show how small shifts at the driveway level can support a more stable, resilient grid.

EVs as Backup Power

In 2025, bidirectional charging is quickly gaining traction. With the right setup, EVs can power homes during blackouts or emergencies—transforming into mobile batteries when it matters most.

Utilities and automakers are piloting programs across the U.S. to see how EV fleets can support schools, emergency shelters, and other critical infrastructure during outages. California’s emergency EV power initiatives are one early example of this growing trend.

Powering the Grid Through DERs

To keep up with EV growth, utilities are also investing in distributed energy resources (DERs)—including rooftop solar, home battery systems, and other smart energy tech.

For example, a home equipped with solar panels and a battery system can generate electricity during the day, store excess power, and either use it later or sell it back to the grid during high-demand periods. 

Combining EVs with DERs multiplies the benefits. Utilities can offer incentives, time-of-use rates, and smart-grid pilot programs that reward households for being flexible and grid-friendly.

Solutions like Itron’s Transportation Electrification portfolio help make this possible—giving utilities tools to forecast charging demand, manage local load, and engage EV drivers directly through data-driven smart programs. It’s how EVs become part of the solution, not the strain.

Expanding Charging Access

The EV charging network continues to grow—but gaps remain. Public chargers are booming in cities, but rural areas and multi-family housing often lag behind.

Level 2 chargers are still the most common, especially for homes and workplaces, but direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) are becoming more widespread—making EV road trips easier than ever. In fact, charging networks plan to roll out up to 3,000 more DC fast charging ports in 2025 than they did the previous year.

Charging Smarter, Together

EVs are more than just a cleaner commute—they’re part of a bigger solution to build a smarter, more resilient energy grid. That future depends on cooperation between utilities, automakers, state agencies, developers, and drivers like you.

By charging smarter and supporting distributed energy, we can reduce strain on the grid, lower costs, and keep power flowing—no costly upgrades required.