6 October 2022

Electric vehicle drivers who park in Adelaide’s CBD have more options to power up, thanks to an innovative trial being launched today.

The South Australian government Minister for Energy and Mining, AGL General Manager Emerging Business Bruce Hardy and Wilson Parking Chief Technology Officer Paul Sidwell launched the first of 18 EV charging systems that will help comprise the EV Smart Charging Trials, at the Wilson Parking City West car park.

The EV Smart Charging Trials will support the electrification of South Australia’s transport fleet, playing a vital role in the overall transition from carbon-emitting technologies to a greener, cleaner future.

The trials will demonstrate ways in which electric vehicle drivers can be incentivised to charge during periods of high renewable electricity generation or low grid demand.

AGL and Wilson Parking are playing an important part in the Smart Charging Trials by helping drivers charge at times convenient to them, while easing charging demand during peak pressure times on the energy grid.

Overall, the integration of smart charging will improve affordability, reliability and security of electricity supply for South Australians, along with aiding AGL’s understanding of EV use in public carparks by collecting data, analysing usage and monitoring charging behaviours

Corporate, fleet and individual customers are being encouraged to take up the opportunity of an electrified car space. This will allow Wilson Parking subscribed customers access to their own EV charging bays, with all-day charging, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access to their bays and unlimited entries and exits.

Corporate, fleet and individual customers will be offered EV subscription pricing options which will include the availability to sign up to a flat-rate subscription model with bundled electricity costs.

In addition to the CBD location, EV charging stations will also be provided at the Wilson Parking car park located at Lot Fourteen, while AGL will provide up to six EVs and 10 smart chargers to Centacare and Uniting Communities to help these community organisations transition their commercial fleets to EVs and enable workplace and home charging.

With the EV Smart Charging Trials, South Australia will have 142 EV charging stations installed and monitored across the state.

The information and data that will be gained from the trials will help build South Australia's EV future and allow the seamless integration of over one million EVs into our electricity system over the next 20 years.

The State Government has invested $3.2 million in the trials to over nine recipients who have committed a substantial financial investment, all of which will complement the Statewide Charging Network and bolster the state's EV future.

Quotes attributable AGL General Manager Emerging Business Bruce Hardy

This trial will boost availability of public charging infrastructure, helping drive even greater uptake of EVs in South Australia.

These EV smart chargers will allow drivers to plug in and charge their vehicles at a parking space when and where it’s more convenient for them and at times when there is more renewable energy in the grid.

With more EV charging stations around Adelaide and the right charging infrastructure in place, we’re confident even more South Australian drivers will make the shift to EVs.

Quotes from Wilson Parking Chief Technology Officer Paul Sidwell

At Wilson Parking, we understand that the needs of our customers are evolving, and to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, charging must be more accessible.

With this step forward, we will accelerate the future of low-carbon transport while providing our customers with convenience and efficiency.

We’re committed to continuing to partner with the South Australian Government and AGL on the Government's electric vehicle action plan to make this happen. It is part of our goal to engage constructively with our fleet and corporate clients across Australia to ensure their sites can accommodate charging needs for EV drivers.

About EV Smart Charging Trials

  • The South Australian Government has committed $3.2 million to the trials
  • Nine recipients are participating in the electric vehicle smart charging trials, collecting data, analysing usage and understanding charging behaviours to provide solutions to EV charging that will benefit all South Australians
  • 142 fast and rapid smart charging EV stations will be installed across metropolitan and regional areas, including shopping centres, off-streetcar parks, hotels, motels, and holiday parks
  • Integration of smart charging will improve the affordability, reliability, and security of electricity supply for all South Australians
  • The trials will generate and share knowledge about charging patterns and preferences, and the financial benefits of smart charging and electric vehicle ownership

Grant recipients:

  • AGL with Wilson Parking
  • AGL and Uniting Communities and Centrecare
  • Chargefox with Port Adelaide Plaza
  • City of Adelaide, Upark Topham Mall, Upark Wyatt Street
  • ENGIE with Flinders University
  • JOLT Charge – Charles Sturt, Marion, Port Adelaide Enfield
  • JET Charge with the Rocland Group
  • NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
  • Planet Ark Power with Pasadena Shopping Centre.