![\"Electric](\"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/v2g-south-australia.jpg\")
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EV owners in South Australia can reportedly now apply to SA Power Networks to install V2G bi-directional chargers. While an important step towards making better use of electric cars, don’t get too excited just yet.<\/p>\n
Electric cars can do much more than just transport us from point A to B. An EV can also be used to power appliances, homes and deliver grid services. But not all electric vehicles currently available have these capabilities, and their capabilities vary.<\/p>\n
There are three technologies involved. Very briefly:<\/p>\n
SolarQuotes has more detailed information on V2L, V2H and V2G here<\/a>.<\/p>\n V2H and V2G require not only an electric car capable of supporting these technologies, but also a compatible bi-directional charger. Unlike a standard EV charger<\/a> that only works one-way, a bi-directional charger operates from the charging source to the EV and from the EV to the grid and\/or home. As such, there need to be specific standards, rules and regulations in place around their use.<\/p>\n Discussion on national standards for bi-directional chargers is expected to kick off early next year. But according to Nissan<\/a>, South Australians can now apply (via their installer) to SA Power Networks (SAPN) to get permission to install one of the beasties.<\/p>\n Nissan’s announcement refers to a specific bi-directional charger, the Wallbox Quasar<\/a>. It’s going to be a pricey bit of kit initially – I’ve seen figures bandied about ranging from $10,000 – $14,000.<\/p>\n Nissan says JET Charge<\/a> will be taking orders from South Australian customers starting late January. With regard to hard-wired EV chargers generally, SAPN states<\/a> a charger needs to be purchased first before an application for approval for connection can be made.<\/p>\n Nissan’s pretty pumped about all this as the Wallbox Quasar is compatible with the Nissan Leaf.<\/p>\n “V2G transforms the Nissan LEAF from a vehicle into a mobile energy storage solution, at once meeting both your transport and home energy needs,” said the company’s National Manager of Electrification and Mobility, Ben Warren. “We’ve seen this technology deployed internationally, and it’s so exciting to now see it begin rolling out across Australia, first in the ACT with the REVS project, and now with our first customer site in SA.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The first customer site in South Australia is at Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars in the Barossa Valley.<\/p>\n According to Ballycroft owner Joseph Evans, he’s gone from forking out $6,000 annually for electricity to a zero bill – and making around $50 per week selling surplus power back to the grid. The large solar power system initially installed at the winery knocked $4,000 off his annual electricity costs. The combination of\u00a0 Nissan Leaf (40 kWh battery) and Wallbox Quasar took care of the rest; plus his set-up provides a bit of drinking silver to boot.<\/p>\n “It makes me entirely self-sufficient with my power needs, makes my home and business more sustainable, and it’s so easy to use,” said Mr. Evans<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Mr. Evans says the Nissan Leaf starts its day fully charged and is used to deliver wine to Adelaide daily. The EV is back at Ballycroft by midday, charging from the rooftop solar power system until around 6pm. Then from 6pm to 6am, the car is switched to discharge to power his house.<\/p>\nSA Leading The Way On V2G<\/h2>\n
V2G A “No-Brainer”<\/h2>\n