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EVs and the Grid : What the Data Really Says About Sri Lanka's Energy ...
Recent discussions around electric vehicles (EVs) and their impact on Sri Lanka’s electricity grid have gained traction, particularly amid broader global energy uncertainty. Concerns around grid stability are both valid and important as the country navigates evolving energy conditions, making it essential to examine how emerging technologies interact with existing infrastructure.Among the concerns raised is the suggestion that EV charging has contributed significantly to peak electricity demand, between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with figures of up to 300 MW being cited. While such estimates highlight the importance of grid stability, they also underscore the need to examine how these figures are derived, and whether they reflect real-world usage patterns.Perception vs Reality : Understanding the numbersIt is likely that such estimates are based on a theoretical scenario where the total number of EVs is multiplied by the maximum charging capacity of each vehicle, assuming that all are charging simultaneously. In practice, this is rarely the case. Data from Volt Charge’s networks indicates that only a portion of EV users charge at any given time, with fast charger utilisation typically ranging between 10–20%. While Volt Charge represents a growing share of Sri Lanka’s charging infrastructure, these patterns are broadly consistent with global EV usage trends. In addition, a significant share of the EV fleet consists of lower-powered vehicles, such as two- and three-wheelers, which have a considerably lower impact on overall demand.Registration data from JB Securities also points to this broader mix within the vehicle base. Two-wheelers account for the largest share of EV registrations in Sri Lanka by a significant margin, while EV cars and SUVs represent a comparatively smaller proportion. As these segments have substantially lower charging requirements, overall electricity demand from EVs is more distributed and less intensive than often assumed. Taken together, this suggests a clear gap between perceived and actual grid impact, and highlights the importance of grounding public discourse in observed behaviour.Understanding charging behaviour through dataCharging data provides further insight into how EVs interact with the grid. When scaled to reflect the full national EV fleet, Volt Charge’s network data shows a 72-hour interpolated peak of just 3.13 MW. *The peak demand figure is derived by mapping all recorded charging sessions onto a continuous timelin...
Rooftop solar at crossroads as Sri Lanka shifts to distributed energy ...
Rooftop solar power in Sri Lanka has reached a critical turning point as the country responds to the combined pressures of the economic crisis, rising electricity tariffs and national climate commitments. What was once considered an optional investment for affluent households is increasingly becoming a practical solution for ordinary consumers, businesses and industries seeking lower energy costs and greater independence from the national grid. A former General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board observed that repeated tariff increases by the CEB and LECO have significantly accelerated public interest in rooftop solar systems. According to him, many consumers now view solar power not as a luxury, but as a safeguard against future electricity price hikes and supply uncertainties. The 2022 fuel shortage and prolonged power cuts further changed public attitudes toward electricity generation. Thousands of Sri Lankans began to recognise the value of producing power at home, while companies and hotels turned to large-scale rooftop solar systems to reduce overheads and improve their environmental image. Sri Lanka currently supports rooftop solar through several policy mechanisms. Under net metering, surplus electricity generated by a household or business is exported to the grid in exchange for credits on the monthly bill. Net accounting allows credits to be carried forward, while the net plus scheme enables users to sell all electricity generated to the national grid at an approved tariff. These schemes have played an important role in encouraging private investment in renewable energy. However, the sector still faces major constraints. The initial installation cost remains high for many middle-income families despite the long-term financial benefits. In addition, parts of Sri Lanka’s electricity distribution network are outdated, and transformers in certain areas cannot absorb large volumes of surplus solar energy. Lengthy approval procedures and delays in finalising agreements with utility providers have also discouraged prospective users. Looking ahead, rooftop solar is expected to become a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s plan to generate 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Energy experts believe the next stage of development will involve hybrid systems that combine solar panels with battery storage. As lithium-ion battery prices continue to fall globally, more households and businesses are likely to store daytime solar energy for use ...
Sri Lanka's only national business newspaper | Daily FT
Latest news, analysis and opinions from the Daily FT, Sri Lanka's latest business updates.
Sri Lanka Energy Resilience Faces Drought Test -
Sri Lanka energy resilience depends on fixing hydropower risks, fossil fuel dependence, grid limits, solar storage and smart meter delays. Sri Lanka energy resilience is now a national priority as droughts, fossil fuel dependence, and an ageing grid expose deep weaknesses in the power system.
