As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) ramps up in Australia, how they’ll be powered is a growing area of interest. Sifting through all the info out there can be overwhelming, and at times – conflicting. So, we\u2019ve done the hard work for you, by turning to Origin\u2019s General Manager Strategy & E-Mobility, Chau Le, to answer the most common questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe obvious advantage of an EV is eliminating the need for petrol, meaning less contribution to emissions,\u201d says Le.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given transportation is the third highest source<\/a> of greenhouse gas emissions, EV charging is a crucial piece of the puzzle to meet Australia\u2019s net zero by 2050 target. But Le says the benefits go beyond the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe cost of EV charging is significantly less than petrol. Whether at home, work or using a public charging station, monthly costs rarely exceed<\/a> $70. That\u2019s compared to roughly $350 for a petrol-powered vehicle.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n EV charging currently relies on the electricity grid, but the grid as we know it is changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renewable energy currently contributes almost 50%<\/a> of electricity across the National Electricity Market at certain times and by 2025 the proportion of renewable energy in the grid is expected to increase significantly. This means EVs could eventually be run on zero emissions, making them an attractive transport solution. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople often ask me what the move to electric will mean when it comes to increased pressure on the electricity grid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Le explains, \u201csmart charging will optimise the energy grid by shifting EV charging demand away from peak periods and absorbing excess renewable energy\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smart charging means EV owners are getting the best charging price by allowing energy retailers to manage charging times on the owner\u2019s behalf to optimise charge to off-peak periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmart charging is a huge advantage. With petrol, drivers pay a set price, but EV drivers will have the opportunity to schedule their charging to off-peak periods or draw on excess solar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is achieved through vitrual power plants, like Origin Loop,<\/a> <\/a>which use technology to bring together individual energy sources and distribute power to homes and businesses on a large scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow are EV charging stations powered?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n