Electromobility in Australia: Tariff Design Structure and Consumer Preferences for Mobile Distributed Energy Storage

Abstract

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) may contribute to decarbonisation of the transport sector and has the potential to offer value to consumers and electricity grid operators through its energy storage capabilities. While electricity tariffs can play an important role in consumer uptake of EVs, little is known about how EV charging tariff design affects EV users’ behaviour in participating in applications that can support the electricity grid, such as those applications classed under Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). Examining the case of Australia, this study reviews the literature on electromobility with a focus on EV charging tariffs and its impact on consumer behaviour within the V2X context. The main findings drawn from up-to-date publications show that a well-designed EV tariff structure, available parking, and EV charging facilities can increase consumer participation in V2X. However, cooperation between EV users and grid operators is needed to establish a form of controlled charging agreement to harness the full potential of the EV electricity storage system for grid stability and battery support operations. To achieve this, the right tariff structure will have to be established to incentivise EV consumers to subscribe to V2X services. We also present recommendations for EV tariff design to support Australian consumer participation in V2G. Finally, we identify research gaps for further research.