ACT homes will be part a new trial to help energy networks understand the impact of electric vehicles on the grid.
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The EV revolution in motoring has the networks worried that most are charging their vehicle batteries when they get home from work, just when demand on the grid is already increased.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is handing over the keys to $1.6 million in federal government funding to let five networks in the ACT, Tasmania, and Victoria do real-time testing on 176 households that charge their EVs at home.
Jemena, which jointly owns the ACT's Evoenergy distribution network with the ACT government, is the lead network on the $3.4 million project. This trial is the first-time networks will play a direct role in EV charge management.
Shaun Reardon, executive general manager of Jemena networks, said they wanted to ensure the electricity grid can manage the extra consumption, particularly in neighbourhoods that already have a high uptake of EVs.
"This trial will allow the owner to plug in their car at the same time, but the smart wall charger will defer the charging until a time when there is reduced demand on the grid based on a real-time assessment of available network capacity," Mr Reardon said.
"Put simply, mass electric vehicle uptake cannot happen in Australia without either smart coordination of charging behaviour that considers local network capacity or significant upgrades to existing electricity infrastructure that would result in higher network costs for all customers."
The participants will also benefit from off-peak tariffs and the company may add additional incentives.
The renewable energy agency has other EV projects testing different technologies and approaches to managing charging at the lowest cost times of the day and enabling travel on major highways between capital cities. These are aimed at reducing consumer anxiety about EVs.
As the penetration of EVs increases, it will be important to manage the charging of vehicles to avoid negative impacts on networks and costs and ensure the optimal outcome for all parties, said ARENA chief executive Darren Miller.
"Networks will be key to this as they hold the ultimate responsibility for integrating EVs into their grids while maintaining security of supply and minimising cost," Mr Miller said.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor the government's support was aimed at improving consumer choice and reducing barriers to future fuel technology update.
"An unmanaged uptake of EVs could have negative impacts on the electricity grid if a large number of vehicles are charged at home during peak periods" Mr Taylor said.
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"This trial will give us a greater understanding of how to integrate future fuel technologies in Australia without compromising our energy grid."
Taylor said Australians should be able to choose which type of car they drive and the government's Future Fuels Fund will focus on supporting the infrastructure to make that happen.
ARENA has also funded two electric vehicle charging networks and projects focusing on smart charging and tools to make it easier for motorists and businesses to purchase new technology vehicles.
The latest ACT budget also offered incentives for EV uptake with 24 months of free registration for EVs purchased from May 2021.