EVs strain NZ power grid

author: FutureCar Staff    

Demand for electricity from electric vehicle (EV) owners in New Zealand is on the rise, according to Evnex CEO Ed Harvey. As new EVs with larger batteries enter the market, local EV charger firm Evnex warns that the country's power grid may face increased strain.

Evnex has a network of over 3,500 'smart chargers' across New Zealand, which allows them to collect data on when users typically plug in their vehicles, the duration of charging sessions, and the impact on the grid. In a recent release, Evnex confirmed that the average energy delivered in EV charging sessions has been increasing year-on-year, with home charging sessions now consuming approximately 20% more energy since 2021.

The fear of 'range anxiety' in EVs with limited range has led automakers to equip their latest models with larger batteries, providing customers with more practicality but also resulting in longer charging times and a need for more powerful chargers. Evnex CEO Ed Harvey notes that there is a shift happening in the industry, as vehicles like Nissan's popular Leaf are being replaced by models with batteries double the size or larger.

"As previously dominant EV models like the Nissan Leaf give way to longer range 60kWh+ vehicles, we're seeing increased demand for energy – a trend we expect to continue," said Harvey. He also mentioned that the maximum energy for EV charging in residential settings has stabilized at around 90kWh, but it remains to be seen if this will hold as EV utes and trucks enter the fleet.

As heavier EVs, such as utes and large SUVs, become more common in New Zealand, the median battery size is expected to grow further. Evnex data indicates that EV owners in the country are adapting to the charging challenge, with 60% of overnight charging sessions being delayed to take advantage of cheaper or even free energy offered by some power suppliers.

Harvey stated, "Generally speaking, our power lines operate well below their capacity most of the time, and there are additional opportunities for retailers to manage demand. In the future, we may see similar offers made during the middle of the day." He also emphasized the importance of smart charging technology in managing capacity as EV distribution varies across different regions of the country.

According to the Evnex Summer 2023 report, most EV owners in New Zealand plug their vehicles in for three hours or less, or between 10 and 15 hours, two to three days per week. While most charging occurs at the end of the day, daytime charging is becoming more popular, partly due to customers utilizing solar energy.

FutureCar Staff