Supposedly, by 2030, there will be over 350 million EVs in the world but there is still a few major factor that could put the brakes on this transition – the availability of sound charging infrastructure and the ability to effectively power and store power for chargers.
In Australia, big distances mean charging stations will have to be readily accessible and capable of charging vehicles quickly. Quick charging must also be proven to not impact vehicle performance, life and value. EV drivers in Australia need to be confident of travelling long distances with timely recharging opportunities. That confidence is not there today! In April 2023, ARENA, as part of the Government’s $500 million Driving the Nation Fund, announced $70 million in funding aimed at boosting the availability of charging stations across Australia. This pool of funding will initially support innovation in both public charging facilities and the management of charging.
But while the support is there, the question remains: what mix of public chargers will best suit Australia’s needs?
This image helps:
Low speed charging at home, or at work should be the number 1 choice, always, noting that the average Australian car travels 36km/day. Is charging faster better? A 150kW station, when going at full power, could add up to 900 km of range in an hour to a car, but it can’t. The stated charge rate is only delivered while charging the first half of the battery, thereafter the charging rate drops to add around 100km for 10 minutes of charging. Fast, 350kW charging is only available in some models.
EV’s are an electricity supply issue as well as a refuelling paradigm shift. EV’s are best charged whenever the vehicle is parked, not while driving and approaching “empty”.
Hence the drive towards community and precinct batteries!