South Australia launches bi-directional electric vehicle charging trial
A new trial has begun in South Australia to test vehicle-to-grid technology, which could turn electric cars into virtual power plants on wheels.
Above: Flinders University researcher Dr Xuan Luo, Engie Australia CEO Rik De Buyserie, Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and researcher Dr Kasturi Vimalanathan at the V2G trial launch.
Flinders University in South Australia has launched a new charging station with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric vehicles to either be recharged or be used as batteries to back-up power the grid.
Partnering with French electricity company Engie and with financial backing from the State Government, the project allows up to 10 compatible electric models – such as the Nissan Leaf – to both recharge their batteries, or deposit electricity back into the system when it’s required.
Flinders University says it runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, with 20 per cent generated on-site from solar arrays.
The technology means electri
