First comprehensive overview of EV home-charging options
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) commissioned KPMG to undertake research on electric vehicle smart charging technology for use in homes. The research will inform the conversation about the role of EV charging in the electricity system and the transition to a low emissions economy.
The research finds that electric vehicle smart charging technology has benefits for owners, and will reduce the future load on New Zealand’s energy system if we take advantage of it now.
The report ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Technology – a New Zealand Residential Perspective’ found a wide range of chargers available with various smart charging functions, ranging from basic timers to advanced wifi or cellular connectivity enabled systems that can monitor information and respond to signals to vary charging levels.
EECA’s Chief Executive Andrew Caseley said that while the New Zealand EV fleet is still relatively small*, the majority of the fleet can be charged within the mains capacity of a typical home, and most EV owners use the basic cable supplied with their vehicle. ‘We have a golden opportunity now to encourage uptake of smart charging technology. As the EV fleet grows, charging will increase power demand and have an impact on the electricity system.