Is power pole charging the future of EVs? | ABC NEWS

Key Concepts

EV chargers, power poles, charging infrastructure, off-street parking, range anxiety, DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider), curbside charging, competition, regulations, grid stability, solar energy absorption, modular design, public charging infrastructure, charging speed (kW), charging time, government incentives.

Main Topics and Key Points

The Problem: Lack of EV Charging Infrastructure

• A significant barrier to EV adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure, especially for apartment owners and those without off-street parking.
• Australia has one of the lowest rates of public charging infrastructure: 1 charger per 68 cars, compared to Europe's 1 charger per 14 cars (International Energy Agency data).
• In Sydney's inner west, 67% of residents lack off-street parking, highlighting the need for public charging solutions.
• Besides upfront costs, "range anxiety," access to charging, and journey planning difficulties deter potential EV buyers.

The Solution: Power Pole Chargers

• The concept involves turning existing power poles into EV charging stations.
• Companies like Osgrid and EVX are deploying these chargers.
• Curbside chargers are relatively cheap to install, utilizing existing power sources.
• Pilot programs are underway, primarily in Sydney.

Charging Speed and Technology

• Power pole chargers offer charging speeds between 11 and 22 kW.
• A full charge takes a couple of hours or more, delivering roughly 50-120 km of range per hour, depending on the car.
• This is faster than a typical home charger (less than 4 kW) but slower than ultra-fast chargers (around 250 kW, full charge in 10 minutes to an hour).
• BYD in China has a 1-megawatt charger that can fully charge a car in 5 minutes, showcasing the potential for faster charging technologies.

Osgrid's Perspective (The "Goliath")

• Osgrid is a DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) that owns and maintains power poles and wires.
• They have 440,000 power poles, making them readily available for charger installations.
• Installation is relatively quick (3-4 hours) and minimizes community disruption.
• Osgrid is lobbying for regulatory changes to allow them to own and maintain the charging hardware, while still allowing competition in energy sales.
• Their argument is that they already own the infrastructure and maintain it to a high standard.

EVX's Perspective (The "David")

• EVX is a Sydney startup that has deployed around 200 chargers in New South Wales.
• They have a federal government grant to install another 250 chargers across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
• Their chargers are designed specifically for pole-mounted public domain EV charging, with robust stainless steel chassis.
• The technology is modular, allowing local electricians to easily repair the units.
• EVX aims to emulate the at-home charging experience for those without off-street parking.

Regulatory and Competitive Concerns

• Current regulations limit networks to maintaining physical infrastructure, preventing them from providing services.
• Osgrid is currently leasing power poles to commercial providers like Plus ES (their subsidiary).
• Concerns exist about competition if distribution networks own and operate the chargers, potentially creating a monopoly.
• There are also concerns that the costs of infrastructure could be passed on to all electricity consumers, even those who don't use EVs.
• Dan Cass argues for the importance of contestability in the installation of charging infrastructure.

Grid Stability and Solar Energy

• Curbside chargers can help absorb excess solar energy during sunny days, benefiting the grid.
• "Imagine if you could park your car in the community doing whatever you normally need to do. If you could plug your car in then and soak up that excess solar, you're helping the grid." - Dan Cass

Real-World Application: Danny Alexander's Experience

• Danny Alexander, an inner-city resident without off-street parking, was hesitant to buy an EV due to lack of charging options.
• The availability of a street lamp pole charger near his home has made him "so close" to buying an electric vehicle.
• "It was the news uh about the the street lamp pole charges that fasttracked some of our thinking on whether we should actually do it." - Danny Alexander
• "I do think so. I think we were a bit surprised with some of the nuances of the of the car parking deal, but really, I mean, the idea of just being able to roll up the front and be able to charge overnight makes so much sense for us." - Danny Alexander

Technical Terms and Concepts

• EV Charger: A device that provides electrical power for recharging electric vehicles.
• Power Pole: A utility pole that carries electrical power lines.
• Off-Street Parking: Parking spaces located on private property, away from public streets.
• Range Anxiety: The fear that an electric vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination.
• DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider): A company that owns and maintains the poles and wires that distribute electricity.
• Curbside Charging: EV charging stations located on public streets, typically mounted on power poles or streetlights.
• kW (Kilowatt): A unit of power, used to measure the charging speed of EV chargers.
• Modular Design: A design approach that uses interchangeable parts or components, making maintenance and repairs easier.
• Contestability: The ability for multiple companies to compete for the installation and operation of charging infrastructure.

Step-by-Step Process (Osgrid Charging Example)

1. Park the EV near a power pole charger.
2. Retrieve the charging cable from the car.
3. Plug one end of the cable into the charger and the other into the EV.
4. Use the Osgrid app to scan the QR code on the charger.
5. Initiate the charging session through the app.
6. Wait for the vehicle to authenticate and begin charging.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video highlights the critical need for expanded EV charging infrastructure in Australia, particularly for those without off-street parking. Power pole chargers offer a promising solution, utilizing existing infrastructure and providing convenient charging options. However, the question of who should own and operate these chargers – established DNSPs like Osgrid or smaller startups like EVX – remains a point of contention. Regulatory frameworks need to be carefully considered to ensure competition, prevent monopolies, and avoid burdening all electricity consumers with the costs of EV infrastructure. Ultimately, accelerating the deployment of EV chargers is crucial for promoting EV adoption and achieving broader sustainability goals.