Unison Preparing for Electric Future

Unison Preparing for Electric Future

10 December 2012 – Electricity distribution company Unison Networks Ltd is preparing for an electric future, with on-going research into the potential impacts of an increase in the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on the electricity network.

Unison has purchased one of only a handful of Nissan Leaf EVs in New Zealand, as part of its continuing research programme. Unison, who owns and manages the electricity networks in Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupo, recently completed testing using the latest generation of Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid.

Unison Group Chief Executive Officer Ken Sutherland said the ‘family size’ EV will assist the company in establishing the impacts (both positive and negative) of EVs on the distribution network.

“Unison is preparing for a smart future through the development of a smart grid, and EVs are an emerging technology that we need to prepare our network for. This research will help us to understand how EVs will affect our network in terms of peak load and power quality, and also how these factors interplay with other technologies such as distributed generation (such as solar panels) and energy storage (large capacity batteries).”

Unison will also be investigating how EVs could be harnessed to provide storage in the car’s battery when connected to the network, which could be then used to support the supply of peak loads in the home and on the Network.

Research will also look at the interplay between residential distributed generation and electric vehicles, where potentially customers can generate electricity and use this to charge their vehicles, and feed excess power back into the house and network to provide supply during peak load times.

Mr Sutherland said it will also help determine the likely uptake rates of EVs in New Zealand at city and suburb level, providing a timeline for readying the network.

“The move to electric vehicles will require the establishment of both a private and public charging infrastructure. We are currently working with the Hastings District Council to develop the first public charging station, which will be installed in Hastings. EV owners will be able to charge their cars at home using a 15amp outlet, and Unison and Nissan have also had charging stations installed.”

Hawke’s Bay Nissan sourced the Leaf on behalf of Unison.

Richard Sumner, Dealer Principal of Hawke’s Bay Nissan said the Nissan Motor Company already had over sixty years’ experience developing electric vehicles, and is committed to contributing to producing vehicles that have zero-emissions.

“Nissan is not just bringing a new electric car into the market, but, together with partner Renault, we are collaborating with countries, local governments and electricity providers like Unison and other specialists, to make a Zero-emission society a reality.”

Why Go Electric?

EVs are a green option for our environment, with zero emissions and a low carbon footprint. Currently over 70% of New Zealand’s electricity is supplied from renewable energy such as wind farms and hydro-dams so switching transport from fossil fuels to electricity will give a huge reduction in New Zealand’s Carbon emissions.

Fuel savings - the savings will vary for consumers based on what model and engine size petrol car they were previously driving, but as an example, the fuel cost savings of driving and EV compared to a 1.5-2.0 litre car are up to 75% depending on variables such as the price of fuel vs. power costs.

Nissan Leaf EV Facts

• Travel range of approximately 100km (a conservative estimate), depending on factors such as driving style, use of air conditioning and external conditions such as road conditions, weather, and terrain. The AA reports that approximately 95% of New Zealanders’ daily trips are less than 100km, with the average daily travel 39km.
• The four door hatch-back styling comfortably seats five people, making it suitable for families.
• Charge time of approximately 10 hours to charge a battery from empty to full using 15amp outlet. It is possible to top up the battery (e.g. after a 40km drive, it would take 3-4hrs to return to full charge).
• A solar panel on the rear spoiler provides charge for vehicle electronics and accessories, reducing the demand on the main battery and increasing range.
• Top speed of 150km/hour.
• Environmentally friendly design was considered in the production process – recycled materials are used for many parts of the construction, including seat trim made from recycled PET bottles.

Unison purchased the Nissan Leaf and installed a charging station at its Hastings office, as part of research into the potential impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) on the electricity network.

ENDS

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