Half of future QLD car buyers considering EV purchase

Home battery storage systems and electric vehicles are more popular than ever in Queensland, according to a survey of household energy use.

The Queensland Household Energy Survey canvassed the views of more than 4500 residents around the state providing information on energy use, awareness and intentions, as well as current and forecast trends regarding electrical equipment in homes.

Energy minister Mark Bailey says a key finding of the survey is that half of all Queenslanders who are in the market for a new vehicle are willing to consider an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid.

“The survey shows that people considering an EV fall within two groups – those motivated by the value and cost effectiveness of EVs, and those motivated by the environment,” he says.

The adoption of EVs in Queensland is likely to increase in mid-2018 following the release of new models addressing the two main barriers to uptake – that they are too expensive to purchase and their range is not long enough.

Improved charging infrastructure will also accelerate uptake of EVs which is why the Queensland Government is working with Energy Queensland to develop the Queensland Electric Super Highway.

The series of fast-chargers will allow EV users to travel from the Gold Coast to Cairns on the world’s longest electric super highway in any state or regional jurisdiction.

Energy Queensland chief David Smales says the survey also shows that evolving technologies will alter the way the electricity grid is used.

“While battery storage will first be taken up in regional Queensland, many of these households will want distributors to provide a backup connection to the grid,” Smales notes.

The Queensland Household Energy Survey collected eight years of data and trend analysis and provides an insight into changing energy use across the state.

The results, combined with other community engagement and research, will help Energy Queensland and Powerlink to develop network planning and energy management programs.

The survey also showed awareness of home battery storage systems has greatly increased in Queensland with 62% of regional respondents and 56% of south east Queensland (SEQ) respondents aware of battery storage systems compared to only 38% and 31% in 2013.

About 36% of regional households and 40% of South-East Q households which have solar PV intend to install battery storage in the next three years compared to only 15% and 11% in 2013.