EVX – ChargeKonnect Kerbside EV Charging Project
- $2.43m Funded by ARENA
- $5.05m Total project cost
Summary
EVX Australia Pty Ltd (EVX) will accelerate the development, manufacturing, and installation of 250 public battery electric vehicle (BEV) dual-port charging units mounted on kerbside poles (pole-chargers), as well as coordinate real-time reporting and flexible tariff structures with 5 Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs), and a Retail Service Provider. The pole-chargers will be deployed across various local government areas (LGAs) in NSW, VIC, and SA.
Need
As the Australian market and demand for electric vehicles continue to increase, so do the requirements for innovative public charging options. Expanding the charging network will help alleviate barriers to BEVs, including the lack of public charging stations and range anxiety. The pole-chargers enable BEV charging stations to be strategically located on power poles in the heart of urban and residential areas. This proximity improves accessibility for BEV users, significantly reducing travel distance for charging, and greatly enhancing convenience. This project will leverage existing power pole infrastructure which minimises the need for additional civil works and shortens the installation timeframe.
Action
EVX will develop, manufacture, and install 250 public pole-chargers across NSW, VIC, and SA. The pole-chargers will have the following attributes:
- 22kW AC dual port, using type 2 universal sockets.
- Ability to be retrofitted on power poles, bollards, or specially constructed posts.
- 4G connection to Telstra network for charger monitoring and billing.
Through the project, EVX anticipates adding enriched EVX user interface functionality to the charger units and backend to:
- Introduce ‘tap and pay’ functionality for customers that choose not to use the app-based interface.
- Enable real time pricing signals including reduced costs to consumers for managed charging and for accessing chargers during times of greater renewable generation
- Provide real-time reporting and control mechanisms for Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) to optimise grid operations, ensure grid stability, and actively manage loads during peak periods
Outcome
The project seeks to achieve the following Outcomes:
- Validation of an innovative BEV charging technology and business model that can support grid stability, utilising passive (e.g. pricing signals) and active means of energy control.
- Reduced cost and complexity of deploying public EV charging infrastructure.
- Industry collaboration to develop standards and platforms supporting BEV charging.
- An Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) protocol driven active control solution for DNSP’s to manage extraordinary peak load times, when required.
- Achieve grid integrated infrastructure that promotes both better grid stability for DNSPs and better commercial outcomes for charge point operators.
- Ensure access to equitable and comparatively inexpensive public charging is available to those who cannot charge at home.
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Driving force: Could electric vehicles reshape the grid?
Your electric vehicle could do more than simply replace fossil fuel transport. It could help stabilise the entire electricity network and cut electricity bills.
Can electric vehicles accelerate the transition to renewables?
After a cautious start, Australians are buying electric vehicles in growing numbers as manufacturers release more models to the Australian market.
Electric vehicle charging station network accelerates Australia's transition
Range anxiety is set to be left in the rear view mirror with construction to begin this week on Australia’s largest open access electric vehicle charging station network.
