Impact of electric Bodaboda centralized charge stations on the Distribution Power Grid in Kampala. Case study: Wandegeya

Abstract

Boda Boda or motorcycle taxis are an important form of transport for most Ugandans due to their speed, manueverbility, and flexibility. Traditional boda boda are powered by Internal combustion engines which have negative impacts on pollution and climate change. The introduction of Electric bodas is likely to solve these challenges. Indeed, the government of Uganda has set a target to electrify over 50% of its motor cycles by 2030. However, with the weak power network and shortage of reliable electricity access, it is questionable whether the current grid is ready to handle the new influx of electric bodies. Hence this project intends to investigate the readiness of the grid to the added load. Wandegeya was chosen as a case study due to the high concentration of boda bodas in that area. Simulations were done in Digsilent and results were obtained to demonstrate the impact of the E-boda charging loads on the voltages and line loading of the power grid feeding this area