The claim that multiple EV chargers on a single distribution transformer can reduce its lifespan from 30-40 years to as little as 3 years is alarming.

I think it is important to understand the details of the mechanism - we know for example that extreme thermal cycling can greatly shorten transformer life,

M,

Is there a solution to this ? Replacement  cycles as frequent as every three years are neither economically viable nor operationally sustainable, the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing these transformers probably outweighs the benefit of driving a EV 

I'd imagine, as we have no such issue yet reported in the UK, it  is something that depends heavily on the local transformer and network design and/or de-rating practice. The places to watch here will be the new transformers going in at motorway services and so on that are serving almost nothing but car chargers - I'd expect those to be the canaries in the coal mine if there is an issue - but most of those installations will be less than 5 years old at the moment.

Mike.

Raises the question of whether these challenges were thoroughly considered prior to the widespread installation of UK transformers for service stations etc

Raises the question of whether these challenges were thoroughly considered prior to the widespread installation of UK transformers for service stations etc