Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can significantly affect power consumption in an apartment building, depending on the number of EVs being charged, the charging speed as well as the building’s existing electrical system.
EV ownership is expected to surge in the years to come, driven by falling costs, greater model choice and availability, and more charging infrastructure. By 2050, between 92 and 99 per cent of all vehicles are expected to be battery EVs.
As EV’s surge in popularity it is inevitable there will be an increased demand for charging as more residents in the building own EVs. Subsequently the demand for charging infrastructure and electricity supply also increases. This can result in higher electricity consumption, especially during peak hours when many residents could be charging their vehicles simultaneously.
Here are a few factors to how electric vehicles (EVs) can affect electricity consumption in an apartment building:
Charging speed:
The power consumption of an EV charging station depends on the charging speed, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). A higher charging speed means more power consumption. Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, typically consumes around 1.4 kW. Level 2 charging, which uses a 240-volt circuit, can range from 3 kW to 19.2 kW, depending on the charging station.
Number of EVs:
The number of EVs being charged simultaneously can have a significant impact on power consumption. In an apartment building with a limited number of EVs, the impact on power consumption might be minimal. However, in a building with a high number of EVs, the power consumption can add up quickly.
Time of use:
The time of day that EVs are being charged can also affect power consumption. If many residents are charging their EVs during peak hours, such as early evening, the building’s electrical demand will be higher, which can result in higher costs for the building.
Electrical infrastructure:
The electrical infrastructure of the apartment building may need to be upgraded to support EV charging stations. If the building’s electrical system is not designed to handle the additional demand, it could cause power outages or other electrical problems.
Managing Effects of Increased Power Usage Due to EV Charging Stations
To manage the impact of EV charging stations on power consumption in an apartment building, building owners can consider implementing strategies such as time-of-use pricing or load management systems to balance the demand for electricity. They may also consider installing smart charging stations that can communicate with the electrical grid to optimize the charging process and minimize the impact on power consumption.
Here are a few additional steps a body corporate can take.
Conduct an energy audit:
Conduct an energy audit to understand the current energy usage of the building and identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption. This will help identify potential areas of inefficiency that can be improved to help offset the impact of the additional power usage.
Install sub-metering:
Installing sub-metering will help track and monitor energy usage specifically associated with EV charging stations. This will allow the body corporate to accurately measure the additional power usage and determine any necessary adjustments to billing and budgeting.
Consider a separate tariff:
Contact the energy retailer to determine if there are separate tariffs available specifically for EV charging stations. These tariffs can offer lower rates for off-peak charging, which can help minimize the impact on the overall energy budget.
Promote energy-efficient behaviour:
Encourage residents to adopt energy-efficient behaviours, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, to help offset the impact of additional power usage from EV charging stations.
Explore renewable energy options:
Consider installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
By taking these steps, a body corporate can manage the effects of extra power usage due to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and promote sustainable energy practices.
