Have your say on EV charging
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is calling for submissions from the public on a new green paper about improving the performance of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
It says feedback received this month will help inform the conversation about the government’s role in encouraging the uptake of “smart” EV charging technologies to support the electricity system and New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy.
Andrew Caseley, EECA’s chief executive, says: “The government wants to accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector, but as the number of electric vehicles in New Zealand grows, there is a need to ensure there’s enough capacity in the electricity system.
“EV chargers will use the most energy of any appliance in the household, making this important to get right at what is still a relatively early stage of EV adoption.
“New Zealand's electricity demand is expected to increase significantly, as the country phases out fossil fuels and increasingly moves to renewable electricity.”
Caseley adds that smart chargers can help manage peak demand but at the moment most EV owners use the basic cable supplied with their vehicle and charge their vehicles at home.
Smart-charging technology allows consumers to shift load to off-peak periods, which results in less extra generation and eases the pressure on grid and distribution networks.
It also allows consumers to take advantage of off-peak prices while ensuring their EV is charged and ready to drive when required.
The green paper canvasses a range of options for increasing the uptake of smart-charging technologies, including regulation, incentives and education campaigns.
“We’re seeking feedback from a wide range of stakeholders – from industry bodies to EV owners – to ensure we have a robust discussion to inform consideration of the government’s role in this area,” Caseley says.
“The government’s emissions reduction plan has bold goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
“Wide uptake of ‘smart’ charging technology alongside the growing electric fleet will benefit everyone, from EV owners to electricity distributors.”
Submissions on the paper close on August 29 and should be emailed to STAR@eeca.govt.nz
EECA will provide advice to the Minister of Energy and Resources following the consultation period.
To read the green paper, click here.
