EVs could reduce power bills – Evenergi

Mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) can potentially improve power use, improve grid stability, and drive down electricity costs for consumers, a new report says.

The report by Australian startup and EV advocate Evenergi, with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the South Australian Government, and SA Power Networks, finds that EV charging could help balance supply and demand in a future electricity system dominated by renewable energy like rooftop solar and wind.

Report lead author Evenergi chief executive Daniel Hilson says it’s important for Australians to understand the positive potential of a mass shift to EVs.

“By encouraging EV charging at times when there is surplus energy and limiting the amount of charging during times of peak demand we can potentially create a more efficient, balanced, and flexible grid,” he says.

“Evening out demand would unlock more value from existing power network assets. If managed correctly, this would ultimately lower costs for consumers.

“EVs do require significant power, but it’s important to recognise that people travel around 16km on their average commute. That means they would need to charge for just over an hour with a 7kW home charger. That charge could easily and conveniently be scheduled for an off-peak time in the middle of the night.

“The main problem power networks face at the moment are the huge peaks in demand, most notably by air conditioners on very hot days. EVs do not create the same challenge, and may actually help power networks get more value from their assets.

“Furthermore, the mass uptake of EVs could also provide power networks with a giant collective battery, because EV batteries plugged into the network can be drawn upon during times of peak demand. This technology already exists and there are mechanisms through which consumers can be compensated for assisting the network.”

Evenergi partnered with ARENA to launch Charge Together over a year ago to study why EV uptake has been so slow in Australia and what it would take to boost adoption.