Questions and answers from the Greenwich information sessions
Q: Is the technology the best available?
It is a very robust and advanced system.
Q: Is technology going to overtake this system in the short to medium term?
While technology may change over time, the basics of this system will still be appropriate and the system can be upgraded. It is expected that the system as proposed will meet EV charging needs over the medium term.
Q: How will our building cope with the extra power requirements?
We are upgrading the capacity of the main electrical board and installing four new distribution boards which will increase electrical capacity. The system will also load manage so that, at peak times, if more power is demanded by EV users than the building has capacity to meet, charging rates will reduce across all users. In the longer term, the capacity of the system can be further increased with more infrastructure investment.
Q: Where will the new distribution boards be?
They will be spread around the two levels of the basement with the aim of minimising the length of cable runs. But there are requirements to be met in terms of the physical installation which will determine final placement.
Q: What happens if demand for chargers is much higher than you expect?
The system will allow 25 vehicles to charge at full L2 level power simultaneously. Given that people charge at different times of the day and days of the week, this is significant capacity. If ‘building charge’ should reach capacity at any time, the system will automatically load manage ie it will adjust down the rate at which each car is charging.
Q: Was the option of communal charging spots considered?
This option was considered but there are no car parks available and it is not a convenient option for the majority of owners.
Q: Can I install cabling but not get a charger until I buy an EV?
Yes.
COSTS
Q: How is the EC going to pay for the infrastructure?
We expect to pay the setup costs from accumulated uncommitted admin funds ie funds not earmarked for any other Greenwich projects. There will be no increase in administrative levies or a special levy. These funds will be fully cost recovered from owners installing L1 and L2 charging and it is estimated that this will take approximately four years.
Q: What happens when the initial cost is fully cost recovered?
This may mean that the system’s capacity has been reached (with load management constantly in operation) and the system will need to be upgraded. Alternatively, it is possible that the initial cost will be fully cost recovered before the system’s capacity is reached. If this happens, new EV connections will still incur the capital cost, but the funds will be put towards future upgrades of the system.
Q: Will it be cheaper if several of us want cabling installed at the same time?
We anticipate that a discount can be negotiated for multiple cable installations at the one time. This is particularly likely in the first instance as we are assuming that there will significant initial demand. It may also be possible to get a discount on multiple purchases of charging units.
Q: Can you give an indicative cost of cabling?
The cost of cabling will depend on where a carpark is in relation to the nearest distribution board and whether an L1 or and L2 charger is to be installed. For L1, the cost is expected to be between $950 and $2500 (16 amp cable). For L2, the cost is expected to be between $1850 and $5000 (32 amp cable plus cat 6 data cable). The system provider will provide a definitive quote prior to installation.
Q: Are there any ongoing costs apart from electricity?
There are annual account fees for owners of $84 for L1 chargers and $179 for L2 chargers. These are paid directly to the software service providers. The EC will pay an annual fee of $1089 for software management.
Q: Can we take advantage of our solar power for charging?
As the system runs off common building power (with reimbursement for the cost of electricity), solar power will be used when available. However, solar availability is variable so it cannot be directly factored into price setting. The EC has just signed with a new electricity provider and is yet to receive a bill, so the 35c per kWh is an averaged estimate of the cost to users based on past billing. The software does have the capacity to differentiate kWh prices during a 24 hour cycle, and this option will be considered. To fully make use of the solar power generated, we would need to have a battery, but this is not cost effective at this time.
CHARGERS AND CHARGING
Q: Will friends and family be able to use my charger if visiting the building?
Friends and family can use your charger but they would need to access your app to initiate charging and the cost would go to your account (but be readily identifiable).
Q: Can anyone use my charger without my permission?
For someone to use your charger without your knowledge, the person would need to have an RSP (L1) or Exploren (L2) account to initiate charging and all charges would accrue to that person not the owner of the charger.
Q: What is the difference in charging times between L1 and L2?
There are many factors that determine charging times, including the specifics of the EV and residual charge, but broadly, you could expect an EV to fully charge overnight with an L2 charger but it is likely to take longer with an L1 charger. L1 chargers are more suited to owners who drive shorter distances each day and can charge daily.
Q: Will the proposed brand of L2 chargers work on any brand of EV?
Yes.
Q: The L2 charger seems quite expensive. Were cheaper options investigated?
The Oculus charging head is part of the Ocular IQ Wallbox, which is designed for variousapplications, including residential, fleet, and commercial. It was chosen as it is compatible with the building infrastructure and has a good record in terms of maintenance and software performance, minimising the risk to the operation of the system and to owners. Key features include:
- Compatibility: Works with a wide range of EVs, including Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen.
- Charging Modes: Offers different charging modes to suit individual needs.
- Smart Features: Includes an app for real time monitoring and energy management, allowing users to optimise based on energy tariffs.
- Durability: Built to withstand extreme weather conditions and designed for long term reliability.
- Installation: Must adhere to Australian standards, requiring a licenced electrician.
The EC will undertake further research on comparable quality equipment prior to the AGM.
Q: What happens if one of the software providers goes out of business?
A new account provider would be engaged, but the same provider must service the building as a whole. The system will not work as intended if different owners use different account providers.
Q: Who is responsible if my charger isn’t working?
The EC will contract one company to manage all aspects of implementation and management of the EV charging system, including the payment system. This means there is just one point of contact for any issues, including chargers not working properly,
Q: Can a unit owner have more than one charger?
Yes they can, but they will have to pay the same capital, cabling and charger costs for the second unit.
Q: What happens to the chargers that have already been installed?
It is the EC’s preference to migrate everyone to the new system with the choice of L1 or L2 charging. This would mean that all users would be on the load management system and the EC would be fully aware of the total electricity being used by EV charging.
Migration will be negotiated with individual owners and will not be mandatory as the effectiveness of the new system will not be greatly affected by some arrangements being grandfathered. What we will ask of these owners is that they provide information to demonstrate that their current installation meets all standards and documentation relating to certification of fire stopping measures.
Q: What if I don’t have a column to put my charger on eg I have a ‘middle’ car park?
There is the option to put chargers on arms which is a common practice. The system provider will look at each installation and provide advice and a quote upfront including any additional cost for an arm.
Q: What happens if I want to upgrade from L1 to L2 charging?
It is not possible to upgrade from L1 to L2 because the cabling required is different. If you think this is a possibility, you could initially install L2 cabling and an L1 charger but this would this wouldn’t make a lot of sense.
Q: Can I use my L1 powerpoint for other things eg vacuuming my car?
Yes you can but you will need to have an account to do activate the power. It doesn’t operate as a normal powerpoint.
Q: If I have an Exploren account, can I use it at any Exploren charging facility?
Yes.
OTHER
Q: Does an EV ready building will increase sale prices and/or rental returns?
There is evidence to suggest that this is the case, at least in the short to medium term, but the benefits will decrease over time as more buildings become EV ready.
Q: Is there an increased fire risk with the growth of EVs in the basement? Have you received any insurance advice? Do additional sprinklers need to be installed?
There is evidence that EVs are a lower fire risk than conventional vehicles and additional sprinklers will not be required. Further, the software monitoring system will automatically shut down the power to the distribution boards and hence all EV charging if a fire is detected. We have not received any specific insurance advice but, generally, the building is considered to be very well maintained by our insurer. Owners should note that the chargers are a personal responsibility and will need to be covered by owner insurance.
Q: When is the system likely to be installed?
The proposal will be voted on at the upcoming AGM. If the vote is favourable (and the level of support so far suggests that this is likely), we would hope that work would commence within a month. The main timing constraint will be availability of distribution boards. It may take three months or more to fully install the infrastructure.
Q: Does the software system require wifi access?
The L1 chargers require wifi. Because cat 6 cable will be installed in tandem with the L2 32 amp cable, the cost of installing wifi is much lower than it would otherwise be. As everyone in the building will potentially benefit from the availability of wifi in the basements, it is proposed to spread the cost across all owners.