The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) emphasizes the critical need for public charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, highlighting that insufficient infrastructure deployment will hinder net-zero targets. The EVC advocates for improving network capacity information visibility to facilitate efficient charging infrastructure planning and deployment, citing Essential Energy's tool as a prime example of effective data sharing.
Core Views and Key Data
- Infrastructure Deployment: The EVC stresses that rapid deployment of public charging infrastructure is essential to avoid slowing down the EV transition, which is crucial for achieving net-zero targets.
- Network Visibility Benefits: Enhanced visibility of network capacity offers multiple advantages, including time savings for planning organizations, streamlined processes for infrastructure planners and utilities, and collective industry shaping of the electrified transport system.
- Essential Energy's Tool: The EVC praises Essential Energy's tool for providing insights into low voltage network capacity, noting its ability to help charging point operators (CPOs) assess geographic areas efficiently. This tool reduces the number of connection applications and improves the likelihood of site suitability.
Specific Commentary
- Data Gaps and Solutions: The EVC identifies gaps in data for high-power EV chargers, particularly regarding available capacity at specific locations. Feeder capacity information is deemed more useful than zone substation capacity for such applications.
- Regional Examples: The EVC acknowledges efforts in other regions, such as SAPN's feeder-level information portal, Ergon and Energex's transformer monitoring data, and Victoria's smart meter deployment potential.
- Cost and Feasibility: The EVC argues that the absence of smart meters or transformer monitoring should not hinder data visibility efforts, as Essential Energy's success demonstrates minimal investment requirements.
- Connection Approvals: The EVC suggests that DNSPs should expedite connection approvals and consider second lines of supply, particularly for businesses with open-air parking areas, to support EV charging deployment.
Data Sharing and Instrumentation
- Data Sources: The EVC recommends aggregating smart meter data and directly monitoring transformers (300kVA and above) as key data sources. Feeder monitoring will also play a role for larger-scale EV charging sites.
- Cost Analysis: The EVC encourages the AER to model transformer instrumentation costs and compare them to consumer savings from EV adoption.
- Data Accessibility: Publicly available data for network-owned assets (feeder or transformer) is supported, while privately owned transformer data should remain private but feeder data should still be accessible.
- Data Frequency: The EVC proposes sensitivity testing for update frequency, suggesting monthly or quarterly updates could significantly enhance data confidence without substantial additional costs.
Conclusion
The EVC underscores the importance of data visibility in accelerating EV infrastructure deployment, advocating for practical solutions like Essential Energy's tool and emphasizing that the benefits outweigh the costs, given the broader economic and environmental savings from EV adoption.
