EV Integration &
Dynamic Control in QLD
Introduction to EV Charging
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise, In the first quarter of 2024 we saw an average of 278 new EVs being purchased daily In Australia. Home Charging offers the most cost-effective way to power your vehicle, so choosing the right charger is essential.
However, choosing an EV Charger is not as straightforward as you may have thought with each state bringing in unique charging requirements it's important that your charger complies. Non-compliant chargers' risk being shut off, for prolonged periods of time with little to no warning!
In this guide, we will explore the various home charging options available and the specific state regulations that apply, helping you make informed decisions for efficient and compliant EV charging at home.
Introduction to EV Charging
Level 1 Charging
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Installation Cost: Low ($200 - $300)
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Charge Rate: ~1.5 kW (10 km of range per hour)
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Time: ~37 hours for full charge
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Charging Cost: Low, depends on electricity rate
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Level of Control from Solar: Limited
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Solar Input: Minimal, can use off-peak solar
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Dynamic Imports in QLD: Not applicable
Level 2 Charging
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Installation Cost: Medium ($1,000 - $2,000)
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Charge Rate: ~7 kW (50 km of range per hour)
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Time: ~8.5 hours for full charge
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Charging Cost: Moderate, cheaper with solar
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Level of Control from Solar: Lacks the ability to communicate with Solar Inputs, Wholesale Market Pricing and local DNSP. No Remote Control or Scheduling.
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Solar Input: Limited due to no comms.
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Dynamic Imports in QLD: Non-Compliant Ripple Control Device required.
Level 2 Charging with OCPP
What is OCPP?
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open-source standard enabling communication between EV chargers and central management systems, ensuring smooth operation and efficient network management.
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Installation Cost: Medium ($1,500 - $3,000)
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Charge Rate: ~7 kW Single Phase (50 km of range per hour)
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Time: ~8.5 hours for full charge
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Charging Cost: Low. Can Charge entirely from solar (If you can make the most of it)
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Level of Control from Solar: High. Integrates with Solar and wholesale electricity market.
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Solar Input: Yes
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Dynamic Imports in QLD: Compatible with dynamic import control
Explanation of Dynamic EV Charging
Dynamic Exports and Imports refer to signals sent by your local DNSP to indicate the allowable amount of energy you can either send to the grid or import from it. These signals are crucial for protecting grid infrastructure and ensuring that grid assets are well-maintained under varying loads.
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Dynamic EV Charging is a smart charging system that communicated with your local DNSP to adjusts power levels in real-time based on grid demand. Dynamic Import Control allows your EV charger to adjust power intake dynamically. This means your charger will priorities solar power and adapt to grid conditions, ensuring efficient and reliable charging. This method allows real-time adjustments, enhanced communication, and user convenience.
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In contrast non-compliant EV chargers MUST have a 'Ripple Control' device installed. This limits the DNSP's control to ON and OFF. You lose your ability to supplement your EV charging with Solar and Batteries, because the DNSP has cut the power supply to the charger completely. EV Chargers that do not comply can be shut off without notice, making them unpredictable and this type of charging unreliable.
Integrating your EV Charger with CATCH Control is straightforward and offers numerous benefits.
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Our solution allows for an integrated EV Chargers to communicate seamlessly with your existing solar system. Allowing for smarter charging based on solar inputs or Wholesale energy pricing. While meeting local DNSP regulations for Dynamic Control. ​
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Advanced Solar Tracking
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Set Date Ranges
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Daily
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Time
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Can be easily overridden.
Set Point Charging
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Run different schedules for different days
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Turn your Charger On and Off
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Decide Charging Times
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Choose your charging rate
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Advanced Solar Tracking
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Set Time and Date Ranges
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Charge just on Exported Solar
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Have other loads you want to take priority? Set what percentage of your solar go towards Charging
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You can even choose an allowable threshold you would like to import from the grid.
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Battery Control
The real power of the CATCH Control is in the way it works with the rest of your home. With Battery exclusion technology, we ensure the batteries are used for their intended purpose and stop them from discharging into heavy loads like your EV
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Set Exclusion Zones - Decide where your battery power goes.
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Manually Charge and Discharge your battery
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With Ovo or other EV plans? Stop your Battery Discharging through "free" energy periods and top up when prices are low.
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Faster Charging Rates
The CATCH EV Charging system is connected to your Electricity Supplier and knows when the GRID is being overloaded; we will slow your charging down when this happens. As a result, your electricity supplier allows faster charging rates because they know we will slow it down when needed.
Energy Market Control
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Not only charge your EV for Free based on wholesale pricing but..
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GET PAID to charge your EV
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True 5-minute pricing data
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Secondary EV Plug Control
Many premises now have two EV’s to charge. Most homes do not have the power supply to cope with two EV Chargers. A 15A EV outlet is a good way to charge your second car while waiting for the primary charger. With CATCH Control that 15A outlet can be controlled in many of the same ways as your primary EV Charger can.
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Turn your charging ON/OFF
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Battery Lockout
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Scheduling
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Energy Market Control
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A reduced version of Solar Tracking​
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Don't have another EV? CATCH Control can control any dedicated circuit.
Plan Optimiser
One of the most overlooked aspects of coordinating your EV Charging is choosing the right Electricity Plan. This can be complicated when you have Solar and Batteries. When you use CATCH Control for your EV Charging you automatically get access to our Plan Optimiser technology. We will tell you which plan best suits your needs.
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Connect with CDR -Consumer Data Rights for automatic plan updates
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Get the best plan based on your ACTUAL usage
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Find out what you can save by switching energy retailers
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Combine load Control with the best Energy plan to save the most on your bills
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