The Electric Vehicle Council has described the release of a national roadmap that enables EVs to connect to the grid as a crucial step towards lowering power bills and stabilising the grid.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today released a National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging, which outlines modelling, opportunities and recommendations.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio noted that the roadmap for bidirectional charging has the potential to unlock significant economic and energy system benefits and coordinated action is needed to realise its full potential.
"Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar. This gives us a running start to be a world leader in bidirectional EV charging as well, if we choose to be. Our abundant solar energy creates opportunities for EVs to store excess daytime generation and discharge it to the grid when needed," Ms Delvecchio said.
"Bidirectional EV charging is one of the keys to unlocking lower energy prices for everyone, not just the EV drivers, and to provide electricity reliability.
"The batteries in our cars can do more than just power our drives across the country. EVs can keep the lights on, the barbecue running, and the music playing as we go about our lives across the country. They can store and share energy to support homes, businesses and the grid.
"This national roadmap for bidirectional EV charging is a landmark piece of work. We have worked with ARENA in the development of this roadmap and the technical standards, government engagement and supplier education work over the last few years that have preceded it.
"The EVC congratulates the government and encourages it to consider the recommendations in the report calling for time-limited rebates for installations, support for manufacturers homologating products to our market, and work on communication and awareness of the benefits of bidirectional EV charging.
"Australia became a world leader in rooftop solar because the government engaged with early-stage commercial support. We went from 1,115 rooftop solar installations in 2006 to 360,745 installations in 2011, off the back of targeted government support. In the same vein, we encourage the government to work with industry to make bidirectional EV charging a reality for all Australians."
