A charging station recently installed in the Barossa Valley has a novel feature – a large, petrol station-like sign displaying its rates for charging.
The image was snapped by Cathi Butterfield – one of the project managers for the charging station and shared on LinkedIn. The charging station, at Rocland, Nuriootpa, in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is part of a trial to see how price tariffs based on renewables work in the area.
Along with the big sign advertising the kilowatt hour prices – rather than the price per litre – the trial is hoping to demonstrate how tariffs can vary to encourage more use of the charger during periods of high renewable energy generation.
The charger currently charges at 40c per kWh between 10am and 3pm – when the solar output in South Australia is at its peak – but doubles that price at all other times.
While 40 cents is cheaper than Ampol’s AmpCharge or Tesla’s superchargers, they are higher than Port Adelaide’s ultra-cheap 12c/kWh charge during the day, where another trial is being managed. The 80 c/kWh tariff pricing for the remainder of the day, on the other hand, is particularly high.
On PlugShare, some customers weren’t impressed. “Watch out for the pricing!!” said one punter, “$.80 a kilowatt hour really!!!” said another. Others suggested that although it was advertised at 120 kW, most could only charge up to 75 kW – but those charging rates often depend on the local capacity at the time, and the type of car they are charging.
At least with the large sign, you’ll be well aware of the price up front.
However, with energy being cheaper and a much higher percentage of renewables during the day, more and more chargers may start to move to this displayed tariff model.
“The trial will demonstrate how essential highway EV smart charging can contribute to overall electricity system strength, without adversely impacting upon EV driver perceptions or user experience on regional road trips,” Energy and Mining SA writes about the trial.
South Australia is regularly rolling out rapid charging stations as part of a border-to-border network. With tourism to the regions being such an important part of South Australia’s economy, ensuring that electric vehicles can visit all areas of the state is important.