The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) has announced an innovative new trial for the owners of electric vehicles parked in Adelaide’s CBD more options to power up their electrical vehicles (EVs).
The Department, along with AGL and Wilson Parking, has launched the first of 18 EV charging systems in the Wilson Parking car park in the City West.
According to the Department the EV Smart Charging Trials will support the electrification of South Australia’s transport fleet, playing a vital role in the overall transition from carbon-emitting technologies to a greener, cleaner future.
DEM said the trials would demonstrate ways in which electric vehicle drivers can be organised to charge during periods of high renewable electricity generation or low grid demand.
It said AGL and Wilson Parking were playing parts in the Smart Charging Trials by helping drivers charge at times convenient to them while easing charging demand during peak pressure times on the energy grid.
“Overall, the integration of smart charging will improve affordability, reliability and security of electricity supply for South Australians,” DEM said.
It said AGL would study EV use in public carparks by collecting data, analysing usage and monitoring charging behaviours.
“Corporate, fleet and individual customers are being encouraged to take up the opportunity of an electrified car space,” the Department said.
“This will allow Wilson Parking subscribed customers access to their own EV charging bays, with all-day charging, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access to their bays and unlimited entries and exits,” it said.
“Corporate, fleet and individual customers will be offered EV subscription pricing options which will include the availability to sign up to a flat-rate subscription model with bundled electricity costs.”
DEM said that in addition to the CBD location, EV charging stations would also be provided at the Wilson Parking car park located at Lot Fourteen, while AGL will provide up to six EVs and 10 smart chargers to Centacare and Uniting Communities to help these community organisations transition their commercial fleets to EVs and enable workplace and home charging.
“With the EV Smart Charging Trials, South Australia will have 142 EV charging stations installed and monitored across the State,” the Department said.
“The information and data that will be gained from the trials will help build South Australia’s EV future and allow the seamless integration of over one million EVs into our electricity system over the next 20 years.”
It said the State Government was allocating $3.2 million to trials by over nine recipients who have committed a substantial financial investment as well, all of which will complement the Statewide Charging Network and bolster the state’s EV future.
