Queensland electric vehicle owners offered $100 to join charging research program

“Do you own an electric vehicle (EV) registered in Queensland and would you like to earn a minimum of $100?”

That’s the enticing starting line used on the webpages announcing a new EV recharging research program run by Queensland power providers Ergon and Energex.

They want to find out exactly how and when owners of PEVs (plug-in electric vehicles) recharge their cars and then test some possible options for developing grid-friendly EV recharging schemes.

The program involves selected PEV owners being sent an On-Board Diagnostic System Information (OBDII) device by Ergon/Energex for inserting into their car’s OBDII port. (For instructions on how this is done – see: https://www.fleetcarma.com/smartcharge/support/ ).

The OBDII device, once installed, will automatically collect and transmit the charging data to the researchers via a SIM.

The research program will involve two stages (and two $100 offers) spread over three years. Stage 1 involves a 12-month data collection phase where 200 Queensland EV owners will be chosen from those who complete an online ‘expression of interest’ form.

The selection process involves choosing from these EOIs a representative sample of EVs across metropolitan and regional Queensland. Once selected, the EV owners will be sent the OBDII dongle to plug into their vehicle OBDII port.

Upon installation and registration of the OBDII device, the EV owner will receive $100 for their efforts. For the next 12 months, the device then collects and transmits the charging data for the vehicle.

At the end of 12 months, Ergon/Energex will invite EV owners to join Stage 2 – where over two years they will trial alternative methods for managing EV charging.

At the end of the process, Queensland energy providers hope to be able to implement the most effective and up-to-date ways to manage their part in the coming EV transition.

For both Energex and Ergon area EV owners – go to the EOI form at:

https://www.energex.com.au/home/control-your-energy/smarter-energy/electric-vehicles/ev-smartcharge-queensland-research-program

For further information about the FleetCarma OBDII device and its installation:

https://www.fleetcarma.com/smartcharge/support/