South Australia launches trial to examine EV impact on grid

The South Australian Government has launched a $1 million trial with electric vehicle charging infrastructure company Jolt Charge, which will examine the impacts of battery-powered vehicles on the electricity grid.

Jolt will use its network of 21 fast-chargers across metropolitan Adelaide to assess consumer behaviour in relation to electric vehicle (EV) charging.

The State Government hopes to use the data to better understand energy usage, with the idea to use incentives to help manage the daily peaks and troughs.

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“Trials like this are critical in helping us better understand how to make EVs more accessible
through a network of public fast-charging options, as well as how charging incentives can help balance the load during high-supply periods,” Jolt founder and CEO Doug McNamee said at the announcement.

Jolt will also be upgrading its mobile app so users can receive notifications telling them of incentives and optimal charging periods, while screens at the company’s fast-chargers will let drivers know when there’s free charging, as well as helping to encourage other road-users to buy EVs.

The $1 million government grant will also see Jolt install additional 50kW DC fast-chargers in the cities of Charles Sturt, Marion, and Port Adelaide Enfield.