Plugging connectivity gaps in Victoria’s EV charging network is a key aim of the Charging the Regions: Local Government Electric Vehicle Charging Network Study.
Noting the “significant role” Tesla has played in the development and installation of EV charging networks, the report suggests a roll-out by a large consortium of councils has the greatest chance for success.
The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) led project includes a report from consultants Ndevr Environmental and covers 43 rural and regional councils, 12 metropolitan councils, five greenhouse alliances, the Victorian Government and the Electric Vehicle Council.
The project objective is to provide participating councils with all the relevant information and tools to best facilitate a coordinated EV charging network across Victoria.
It has been delivered to all stakeholders in five components (two interim reports and two knowledge sharing webinars) with a final report summarising the key project outcomes, and detailing next steps.
Maps show the significant role Tesla has played in the development and installation of EV charging networks, given the prevalence of Tesla Infrastructure across Victoria in comparison to other models, the report says. “It also highlighted the gap in connectivity in regional areas for non-Tesla EV drivers, as Tesla stations are designed for Tesla vehicles only.”
The experiences of others in installing public charging infrastructure provided valuable insights into key considerations, the report adds.
“To ensure a charging infrastructure project roll-out by a large consortium of councils has the greatest chance for success, it was important to consider the lessons from those councils and government bodies that have previously installed public charging stations.”
The report contains an overview of each of the studies, including the City of Adelaide, Tri Councils in NSW, the NRMA, Queensland Super-Highway, New Zealand, the City of Moreland and Knox City Council, with a desktop case study of Norway and Western Australia.
While some councils (such as the City of Moreland) believe in providing free charging to support Australia’s relatively low EV uptake, many other case studies advised against that to ensure it was not taken for granted, the report adds.
‘Many case studies had initially provided free charging in the form of a free trial roll-out but found that it sometimes led to strange charging behaviour and that it was difficult to start charging for something that was previously free.”
The report suggests a mix of charging stations will be required to provide a future ready network of charging for Victoria.
“Enough fast and ultra-rapid chargers on the major arterials and a dense number of destination chargers in and around towns to cater for both passing through and visiting tourists will be required.
“New Zealand advised that they experience queues for public charging and recommended
that more stations be installed. Similarly, the Tasmanian roll-out highlighted the desirability of sites that could accommodate additional sites in future as uptake increases.
“While some councils firmly believe that it is their role to provide charging infrastructure, the City of Adelaide has shifted from providing chargers to incentivising private investment through the City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme as detailed in the case study.”
The Charging the Regions project sees the value in a combination of these approaches.
The Australian Government has yet to release its new national strategy on EVs, the report notes. “Similarly, the Victorian Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap is not scheduled for release until mid-2020, and while the provision of charging infrastructure will be a component of it, the measures that the state government is currently considering have yet to disclosed.
“In contrast, the NSW government in its recently released Net Zero Plan has committed to an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Model Availability Program. Investment will be targeted by running competitive funding processes that co-fund: (a) the deployment of fast EV charging infrastructure; and (b) vehicle fleet owners, such as car rental companies, car share companies and local councils, to procure electric vehicles.”
The report says that “hopefully, the Victorian strategy includes similar measures”.
It suggests inviting the market to provide best offers for the roll-out will provide councils with the best value options.
“While the international EV market is more developed compared to Australia and most of the charging hardware available on the market is manufactured internationally, several Australian-made options are currently available.”
A 25-50kW DC networked charging infrastructure option is recommended for regional connectivity, along with additional AC charging and using a software platform to enable visibility to users and site managers in real time to see that a station is functioning and available.
The report notes increased EV uptake has clear environmental, health and social benefits to local communities.
