South Australia launches EV vehicle-to-grid trial
New V2G trial is already yielding huge financial benefits for Nissan LEAF electric car ownerSouth Australia has commenced a new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial in which electric car owners can apply to have a Wallbox Quasar V2G power unit installed at their home, allowing the EV to be used as a power source – similar to a solar-powered home battery system.
The trial is being run by the South Australian Power Network (SAPN), with the first unit having already been installed at a winery where the owner, Joseph Evans, is using his Nissan LEAF to help mitigate the business’ power bill in conjunction with a solar panel system.
“I’ve gone from a $6000 annual power bill to making around $50 per week in profit selling my excess power back to the grid,” he said.
“That is more than $2500 in annual profit, from what was once a significant cost. And what’s even better is the fact that, while fuel and electricity prices are only heading in one direction — and that direction is up — my costs are fixed, and fixed at zero.”
Evans went on to explain his solar system powers the bulk of the winery during the day while the Nissan LEAF takes over at night – using the energy from its onboard battery – and is recharged the next morning once the sun’s up.
“It makes me entirely self-sufficient with my power needs, makes my home and business more sustainable, and it’s so easy to use,” he said.
“If your next car is going to be an EV, and it should be, make sure it has vehicle-to-grid technology.”
The only other vehicles currently available with V2G functionality in Australia are the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and the bigger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
These are plug-in hybrid cars, which have smaller batteries (13.8/20kWh) compared to the LEAF and LEAF+ (39/59kWh).
The bidirectional chargers can be controlled via a phone app, allowing owners to switch between recharge or discharge modes remotely as needed.
The SAPN trial follows similar programs already underway in Canberra (government fleet) and the other eastern states involving 300 private EV owners.
Related: How an EV can slash your power bill
Related: Global EV vehicle-to-grid trial launches in Oz
Related: Nissan LEAF can now power your home
Related: Nissan LEAF to power Aussie homes
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