EVs strain power grid

author: FutureCar Staff    

Demand for electricity from electric vehicle (EV) owners in New Zealand is on the rise, as reported by Evnex CEO Ed Harvey. With the introduction of new EVs equipped with larger batteries, local EV charger firm Evnex warns that the country's power grid may face increased strain.

Evnex has gathered data from its network of over 3,500 'smart chargers' across the nation, which reveals the times of day when users typically charge their vehicles, the duration of charging sessions, and the impact on the grid's load.

In a recent announcement, Evnex confirmed that the average energy delivered during EV charging sessions has been increasing year after year. Since 2021, home charging sessions have consumed approximately 20% more energy.

Concerns among consumers about 'range anxiety' in EVs with limited range have led manufacturers to equip their latest models with larger batteries, providing customers with greater practicality. However, this has resulted in longer charging times and a demand for more powerful chargers.

Evnex CEO Ed Harvey acknowledges a shift in the industry, with popular EV models like the Nissan Leaf making way for vehicles with batteries double the size or larger. As a result, there is a growing demand for energy, which is expected to continue as EV utes and trucks enter the market.

As the battery capacities of luxury EVs increase, with some reaching 90kWh or more, the median battery size is predicted to grow further as heavier electric vehicles, such as utes and large SUVs, become more prevalent in New Zealand.

Evnex's data suggests that EV owners in New Zealand are adapting well to the charging challenge. Around 60% of overnight charging sessions are delayed to take advantage of cheaper or free energy offered by certain power suppliers. Harvey notes that there are additional opportunities for retailers to manage demand by offering similar deals during the day.

While some parts of the network may require upgrades in the future to accommodate the energy demands of EVs, Harvey emphasizes the importance of smart charging technology in effectively managing capacity.

According to the Evnex Summer 2023 report, most EV owners charge their vehicles for three hours or less, or between 10 and 15 hours, two to three days per week. Charging typically occurs at the end of the day, although daytime charging is becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the use of solar energy by customers.

FutureCar Staff