Energy Central

EVs aren't a grid problem—they're a grid solution


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For years, EVs were treated as a looming grid problem that would lead to an epidemic of transformer overloads, unpredictable peaks, and expensive distribution upgrades. But what if EVs aren’t a liability but instead an asset to building a more flexible, resilient grid? In this episode of Power Perspectives, host Kinsey Grant Baker speaks with John Taggart, Co-Founder and President of WeaveGrid, to learn why utilities are shifting from asking whether EVs will disrupt the grid to how they can turn EV adoption into a strategic advantage.

John helps to reframe EVs as a distribution-level opportunity rather than a system-wide headache. While unmanaged charging can strain local feeders and transformers, coordinated charging can flatten peaks, defer infrastructure upgrades, and integrate seamlessly with broader grid planning. Beyond that, what does it take to turn this vision into reality and orchestrate charging across automakers, utilities, and charging providers?

John shares real-world use cases, discusses how EVs interact with stationary batteries and broader grid flexibility programs, and explains why internal utility alignment across planning, operations, IT, and customer teams is critical. If EVs are “batteries on wheels,” this conversation makes clear they may be one of the most powerful flexibility tools utilities have — if they treat them that way.

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