Local power (PV + EV)

Although Local Power is well known as a Brisbane Solar PV company, we have a long history of interest in EVs. 

We see Solar PV, together with EVs and a smart grid (PV + EV), as the perfect fit.  Together these will make Australia much more sustainable, not just with renewable energy, but they will also dramatically reduce our oil imports, along with our CO2 emissions.  PV + EV will also reduce our regular vehicle pollution (NOX & SOX), and therefore greatly improving the air quality in our cities.

In October 2019 we took a Tesla Model 3 SR+ (which has a range of 360-380km) on a 7000km+ road trip, from the Gold Coast to Cairns and then to Melbourne and back.  You can find out all about that trip by watching the short videos on our blog.
The photo of the Model 3 was taken near the 180MW Mt Emerald Windfarm on the Atherton tablelands, south west of Cairns.

In August 2018 we had the first possible look at the Tesla Model 3.  This is the first one in a showroom in Brisbane, and one of the first few in Australia.  Unfortunately it was left hand drive so sadly no test drives. You can see all the photos and keep in touch with us on our facebook page

In August 2016 our Nissan LEAF, along with several other EVs, supported the Queensland launch of the BZE Electric Vehicles report. 

"Beyond Zero Emissions’ Electric Vehicles Report (2016) shows that the shift to 100% electric vehicles (EV) in Australia is both feasible and affordable within 10 years, and provides a range of environmental, health and other benefits to the economy"

In September 2015 our LEAF was the lead vehicle in a bicycle event, driving across the kurilpa pedestrian bridge and through the Brisbane CBD.  It also played loud music from a stereo in the boot during the drive/ride.  An EV was chosen for this role having the advantage that no exhaust would be breathed in by the 1000 cyclists following.

In June 2012 we started using a 100% Electric Nissan LEAF which has a real world range of 120-130km.  After 9 years, it's now done over 140,000km of 100% electric driving.  As you can see in the cutout view, the batteries are stacked under the floor and under the back seat.

In January 2012 Local Power held a free public screening (perhaps the first screening in Australia) of the new documentary "Revenge of the Electric Car" at QUT in partnership and with the support of AEVA, ANZSES, BZE, ATA.  This documentary is the sequel to "Who killed the electric car?" which is the story of the GM EV1.

In October 2009 we saw our first Tesla Roadsters in the flesh in Palo Alto, California

EV Charging

In our experience 99% of EV charging happens at home.  Simply plug the car into the charging cable in the garage at the end of the day, which takes a few seconds, and the car is then charged by morning and ready to drive.  Just like your mobile phone.

You can charge EVs (slowly) using a portable AC charging cable from a regular 10A powerpoint (2.4kW), or get a dedicated 15A powerpoint (3.6kW) installed.  Dedicated hardwired EVSE boxes can also be installed by an electrician which allow charging at 7kW (32A  - single phase homes) or 22kW (32A x 3 - three phase homes), but most EVs charge at a maximum of 11kW on AC charging. 

What do all these kiloWatts (kW) and Amps (A) mean when it comes to charging?  Well when charging at 7kW, a Tesla Model 3 adds around 50km of driving range every hour of charging.  When charging at 11kW, it adds around 75km of range in an hour.

More and more shopping centres and public car parks now have free or paid EV charging infrastructure installed.   This is handy for people who live in apartments, who may not have the option of electriciy in their parking space.  Plugshare is a website and app which lists hundreds EV charging stations.

There are several high speed DC charging networks being built which are useful for longer distance driving.  DC charging allows charging at 50kW, 100kW and even faster rates.  At 100kW, depending on the "fuel efficiency" of your EV, you can add 200km of range in 20 minutes.  These include:

• Queensland Electric Superhighway
• NRMA fast charging network
• Tesla superchargers
• Chargefox
• Evie
  

There is a 350kW DC charger at Toombul shopping centre and it managed to charge the Tesla Model 3 SR+ at 170kW.

EVs in Australia

Almost every car manufacturer in the world has announced they will be building EVs.   Australia has a growing list of EV options.  Follow the links to some information sheets put out by the AEVA - Australian Electric Vehicle Assocition (in alphabetical order):

• Audi e-tron
• BMW i3
• Hyundai Ioniq, Ioniq 5, Kona
• Jaguar iPace
• Kia e-Niro
• Mercedes EQA EQC
• MG ZS EV
• Mini Cooper SE
• Nissan LEAF ZE0/AZE0 (2012-2017) ZE1 (2019)
• Porsche Taycan
• Renault Zoe ZE40, Kangoo ZE
• Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3
• Volvo X40 Recharge

By 2023 there will be dozens more EV models is Australia and by 2030, no matter what our politicans say, more than 50% of all new cars sold with be plug in.

The Fully Charged Youtube channel, based out of the UK, can keep you upto date on new and upcoming EV options.

EV Engineering

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are much simpler than traditionl ICE (Internal Combusion Engine) vehicles and have many less moving parts.  This makes them more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

Some experienced automotive engineers like Sandy Munro and their consulting engineering teams have taken EVs apart and compared the EV technology from various manufacturers like Tesla, GM and BMW.  Some EV Youtubers like Sean Mitchell have reviewed these reports and interviewed him.  A sample of these are below.

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To learn more about EVs and making your home more sustainable we strongly suggest becoming a member of Renew and receiving their quarterly magazine.  Subscribers can also access all their back issues online, which is a great resource.

You can support the work of Local Power (PV + EV) and keep in touch by using the links below

Simply Covers - Solar Inverter Covers
Local Power Solar PV - Brisbane Qld Australia
Local Power Facebook
Local Power Youtube