The mechanics of installing EV charging are deceptively simple. Add a circuit breaker, run a cable and pop the charger (or perhaps power point) on the other end.
Design issues, however, can make it hard unless you understand the nuances of existing power supplies, switchboards and wiring as well as know the ins and outs of EVs and their charging options.
If you add on top of that the varying needs of the user and their general approach to decision making about when/how to charge and, well, those design issues could keep the installer up well into the night trying to work out the best solution. These issues by the way can include:
- Providing a charging solution that meets the charging needs of both the car and the driver’s use pattern;
- Analysing the existing capacity of the home, business etc. to supply EV charging …. and how to stay within that whilst meeting the needs of the EV owner;
- how to future-proof the EV charger installation – including be ready for future developments in EV charging including potential V2H/G systems as well as integrating with the grid itself through coming ‘smart charger’ technology.
A well designed EV charger solution is therefore one that doesn’t cost the earth in electrical upgrades but still enables the driver to charge their EV at the best electricity tariff and to the level required when they need to drive it.
It should not need oodles of work to upgrade to future EV charging options …. whilst not charging enough overnight to leave you stranded in the morning, or trip out the whole house when someone turns on the induction cooktop!
As EV charging is a whole new ballgame for electricians to work with – a new course has now been developed to bring electricians up to speed on how to avoid potential pitfalls, unnecessary additional costs AND provide the best charging experience for users.
The 22609VIC Course in EV Charging Infrastructure up to 22kW is the first fully accredited course of its kind in Australia and will upskill 500 licensed electricians in its pilot phase.
Project funding and support has been provided by the Victorian government through its Workforce Training Innovation Fund and the Electrical Trades Union, as well as being supported by the Electric Vehicle Council, EV Choice, Energy Safe Victoria and Future Energy Skills.
Called the Adept Workforce for the Zero Emission EV Boom Project, it aims to improve the capability and capacity of the sector’s workforce.
“This is a great example of how our TAFE and training sector is providing opportunities for workers to retrain and upskill – while also preparing us for the workforce we need for our clean, green future,” said Victorian minister for training and dkills, Gayle Tierney.
“We are committed to supporting the upskilling of the electrical workforce – and through this project, our industry can better meet the demands of the imminent electric vehicle boom,” said Troy Gray, secretary of the Victorian Electrical Trades Union.
Up to date, more than 200 students have gone through the course at the Centre for U, with Holmesglen’s electrical trades department due to commence training soon.
It is also worth noting that some (fee free) places in the trial are still available for registered electricians to enrol in – to enquire, ring the Centre for U on 1800 270 875.
In the interests of full disclosure: Bryce was a member of the course development committee and is currently working part-time for the Centre for U teaching the course.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.