As more Australians switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for public charging continues to grow. Pretty exciting, but also raises the question ‘What happens when everyone plugs in at once?’ Well, did you know that smart charging can help balance the electricity grid, contributing to a more resilient energy future? That’s what we’re going to address in this article. We’ll talk about peak energy events, how load management technology can help stabilize the grid, and what this could mean for your charging experience.

What’s a Peak Energy Event?

‘Peak energy event’ may sound like an industry term, so let’s break it down. When temperatures soar, so does electricity use. Air conditioning is the big culprit, but everything from fridges to pool pumps adds to the strain. If demand gets too high, the grid can become stressed, increasing the risk of blackouts or higher energy costs for everyone.

To avoid blackout periods, energy providers work behind the scenes to balance supply and demand, sometimes calling on businesses and households to dial things down for a few hours – this is called ‘demand response.’

Demand response also helps the electricity networks avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades that would only be needed for a few hours each year.

How Evie Supports Demand Response

At Evie, we’re committed to ensuring drivers have access to fast, convenient and reliable charging while also playing our role in keeping the energy grid stable during high-demand periods. One of the ways we’ve been doing this recently is through trial demand response programs, which help reduce electricity consumption at critical times without compromising charging accessibility. So, what exactly do we do to participate in demand response programs? It all comes down to smart charging technology and flexible load management. Let’s break down how this works with your EV.

How EV Charging Fits Into the Picture

Unlike air conditioners or fridges that need to stay on, EV charging is flexible. It doesn’t always have to happen at full speed, and it doesn’t always have to happen right now. That’s where smart charging comes in.

At Evie, we’ve been using load management technology to temporarily adjust charging speeds at select sites during peak events. Instead of completely shutting off chargers, we lower the power just enough to ease the strain on the grid while still keeping you on the move. Most of the time, the difference is barely noticeable, but the impact on grid stability is huge!

A Real-Life Example: The November Heatwave

Take the heatwave on in Sydney on November 27, 2024, as an example. Sydney hit 39°C, and expectedly, electricity demand was through the roof! To help keep the grid stable, Evie worked with Ausgrid on a trial to manage charging speeds at eleven of our sites for two hours. In an effort to keep our customers in the loop, we gave drivers who had previously charged at any of the nine impacted sites a heads-up via SMS and app notifications.

The result of this trial? We reduced energy use at those sites by 21%, helping stabilising the grid, while still ensuring drivers could get the charge they needed.

The trial tariff with offered by Ausgrid is a great step forward for Australia, following the global success of EV-specific tariffs and helping lay the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable charging solutions – something we’re proud to be actively involved in.

What This Means for You

We understand that reliable access to charging is essential, which is why we strive to balance grid support with driver convenience. Here’s what you can expect during a demand response event:

• Minimal Impact: A small number of sites may experience slightly slower charging speeds for a short period – typically a few hours in the late afternoon or early evening.
• Advanced Notice: We’ll send an SMS to affected drivers and post an update in the Evie app whenever possible.
• You’ll always have charging options: We’ll never completely turn off chargers, and you’ve got plenty of choices! You can charge at unaffected locations nearby, plan your session outside peak times, or continue charging at a slightly reduced speed. Just check the Evie app before heading to a site – it’s your best friend for real-time updates and notifications.

Smart Charging for a More Resilient Grid

Want to charge in the most grid-friendly way possible? Here are some best practices to consider during extreme heat:

• Charge During Off-Peak Hours: Midday charging aligns with peak solar energy production, making it an ideal time to top up. Late afternoon tends to be the “critical peak” to avoid on very hot days (we will let you know).
• Plan ahead for road trips: If you’re heading out on a long drive, consider topping up the night before instead of during peak hours.
• Stay in the loop: Keep an eye on the Evie app and your SMS notifications so you’re always in the know.

The Future of Smart Charging

As we continue to expand our network, we’re working with energy regulators and distribution networks to advocate for smarter, more cost-reflective tariffs that recognise the flexibility of EV charging. By participating in these programs, we can ensure public charging remains both accessible and affordable for all drivers.

What this means for you today and tomorrow

If you got to the end of this article, you might be wondering what this means for you as a driver today and in the future.

We know the idea of demand response programs and grid stability might sound like something that will impact your charging routine frequently. But the truth is, these peak events and demand response programs only happen a few times a year (typically during the hottest summer days). When those rare occasions pop up, we’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with advance notices through the Evie app and SMS. Until then, keep charging as usual and enjoy the drive!