Exmouth trial explores two-way charging potential for electric vehicles

An electric vehicle (EV) orchestration trial in Exmouth aims to assess the feasibility of EVs drawing power from the grid and feeding it back.

- Horizon Power to trial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in Exmouth
- Trial aims to improve utility's understanding of integrating electric vehicle (EV) energy flow into microgrids
- Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Country Health Service to participate in trial

An electric vehicle (EV) orchestration trial in Exmouth aims to assess the feasibility of EVs drawing power from the grid and feeding it back into the grid.

Horizon Power will lead the trial, which is Western Australia's first exploration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, to assess the capabilities of the management system and the potential for EVs to act as mobile energy storage solutions.

Successful implementation of V2G could potentially help power homes, reduce electricity costs and improve grid stability.

Starting this month, the 12-month trial will involve partners including the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Country Health Service, which operates Exmouth Hospital, each of which will receive a Nissan Leaf EV with V2G smart charging technology for regular use.

Exmouth was chosen because of its reliance on tourism, which results in fluctuating energy consumption patterns, particularly during school holidays.

The results of the trial will enable Horizon Power to assess how automated orchestration of distributed energy resources (DER), including electric vehicles, can optimise the use of renewable energy while ensuring grid reliability.

Jet Charge will supply the V2G WallBox Quasar smart charger for the trial, with local electrical contractors in Exmouth providing maintenance and support as required.

State
WA