In a groundbreaking achievement, electric vehicles in Australia recently restored power to a grid during a blackout. Triggered by a severe storm that disrupted the electricity supply to tens of thousands of homes in Canberra, researchers successfully injected power back into the grid for a crucial 10-minute period by tapping into the batteries of EVs.
In a groundbreaking achievement, electric vehicles in Australia recently restored power to a grid during a blackout.KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP via Getty Images
Unforeseen Capabilities of Electric Vehicles in Australia
Originally designed to combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Interesting Engineering reported that EVs demonstrated an unforeseen capability as a reliable backup power source during emergencies.
During the power outage, 16 electric vehicles in Canberra were plugged in and automatically began supplying power to the grid as part of their programmed response. These vehicles collectively provided 107 kilowatts of assistance to the national grid.
The researcher highlighted that if 105,000 electric vehicles were similarly equipped, they could fully meet the backup power needs of both the ACT and NSW regions. This event in February represented the first real-world test of the vehicles and chargers in responding to such emergencies.
Dr. Bjorn Sturmberg, Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University and lead author of the study, hailed the event as a world-first demonstration of vehicle-to-grid technology's ability to respond effectively to an outage.
The study utilized a fleet of 51 electric vehicles stationed across Canberra, each equipped to monitor grid conditions while plugged in. These vehicles provided rapid power injections to stabilize the national grid amidst sudden power loss scenarios.
Sturmberg emphasized the potential of electric vehicles as "big batteries on wheels," showcasing their ability to enhance grid resilience and meet energy demands during critical situations.
The team highlighted the need to manage the increased demand for electric vehicles while ensuring grid stability. Charging EVs simultaneously in the evening when owners return home could strain the grid further, posing challenges to its security.
In response to the February emergency, Sturmberg noted that some electric vehicles resumed charging automatically after supplying power for 10 minutes. He suggested that delaying charging for an hour or two during such emergencies would incur minimal cost or inconvenience.
Ross De Rango, head of energy and infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, highlighted the significant potential of vehicle-to-grid technology in Australia. He explained that it could lower electricity costs and expedite the closure of coal and gas-fired power plants.
De Rango reassured that consumer protection measures are fundamental in this technology, affirming that drivers have complete control over whether their cars are plugged in and can decide who accesses the vehicle's energy.
