EV charging & connections
We support the adoption of EVs and the ability for customers to charge them on our network, including using their own solar power. With EV battery capacity increasing, more homeowners are wanting to connect faster dedicated EV chargers, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
While our network has been designed assuming that each household will use around 4 to 5kW of load on average, a dedicated EV charger typically uses around 7kW. This is a significant increase in a household’s demand on the electricity network.
New ‘managed connection’ solutions
Modelling suggests that we must manage dedicated EV chargers during peak demand times, or risk having to make costly upgrades to our network.
To help address this risk, we have two new managed connection solutions using a “network device” for dedicated EV chargers at premises supplied at 100A per phase or less.
Network devices can be operated to temporarily turn off power to the dedicated EV charger during times of peak demand on our network.
Single-phase EV charging options
Customers can charge their EV from either a 10A or 15A powerpoint connected to a primary tariff. This enables charging from excess solar power and access to cheaper electricity rates through time-of-use tariffs or secondary load-controlled tariffs.
Customers should check with their retailer for tariff options available to them.
Above 20A equipment like dedicated EV chargers must have ‘Active Device Management’ in place. See Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clause 8.10 & 8.14.2.2 for more information.
A typical 32A single-phase dedicated EV charger must be connected by one of the following arrangements:
- Load control tariff using a network device
- Primary tariff with basic active management via a network device
- Primary tariff with a dynamic connection.
The latter two options are new managed connection solutions allowing customers to charge their EV directly from their solar PV system, while allowing us access to manage demand on the electricity network during peak times. This will help to ensure the safety and reliability of our network.
The three options are explained in more detail below. We've also summarised these options in our fact sheet Charging your EV at home (PDF 451.3 kb). EV charger installers may find this information useful to provide to customers.
Load control tariffs have been available in Queensland for many years, and most electricity retailers offer these to customers for appliances like hot water systems, pool pumps and air conditioners. EVs can also be connected to these tariffs via a dedicated EV charger.
An economy tariff, often referred to as Tariff 33 or Controlled Load 2, would be the best load control tariff for EV charging, as it provides a minimum of 18 hours supply per day.
Some eligibility restrictions apply - for full terms and conditions including eligibility for economy tariffs, customers should talk to their electricity retailer.
How to apply
To connect a dedicated EV charger to a load control tariff, submit an Electrical Work Request (EWR) through the Electrical Partners Portal. See Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clauses 9.2 and 10.6 for more information.
This option became available from 21 February 2024, for customers who want to connect a dedicated EV charger to a primary tariff and still use their solar power when charging.
This option may also be attractive to customers who want to utilise time-of-use tariffs.
The technology used for this network device is the same used for our standard load control tariffs. The device may be operated to turn off power to the circuit supplying the dedicated EV charger. These supply interruptions are generally during the late afternoon or early evening peak period and only when the network is under stress.
This connection solution is only available in areas serviced by our standard load control signalling technology. It’s not generally available in isolated communities, the Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) network, and some other fringe of grid areas. Our NMI search tool can be used to check availability.
For terms and conditions for this connection option see Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC) (PDF 372.1 kb). See also Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clause 8.10.5 for more information.
Applications open 6 March 2024
Connecting a dedicated EV charger (EVSE) to a network device on a primary tariff is a similar process to connecting a secondary load control tariff to a premises. You submit an EWR through the Electrical Partners Portal and select if a network device for an EVSE is required on a primary or secondary tariff.
The EWR should only be submitted when the premises is ready for the installation of the network device.
Providing answers to these EVSE questions acts in addition to the process of applying for a Secondary Tariff, therefore applicants who install EVSE on a controlled load should also check that a valid tariff is onsite. Where this is not the case, applicants must request a secondary service to install a meter for controlled load as part of their Electrical Work Request.
These options above will be available in the Electrical Partners Portal from 6 March 2024.
Dynamic connections for dedicated EV chargers are a new form of active device management technology, where there is two-way communication between the dedicated EV charger and us. We send signals via a gateway device to temporarily vary the capacity at which the dedicated charger can operate, depending on the demand on the electricity network. These signals are known as the dynamic operating envelope (DOE).
Power supply to the dedicated EV charger will only be reduced if the local network is under stress. The minimum capacity limit that will be sent by signal is 1.5kW. The maximum capacity limit sent is 15kW.
This connection allows for a dedicated charger to be installed on a primary tariff, so customers can charge their EV from their solar PV system, or take advantage of time of use tariffs. With a dynamic connection you can still use a standard powerpoint to charge an EV.
See Active Device Management for EVSE (PDF 314.7 kb) for more information including general advice on how often supply interruptions may occur. Also, see Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clause 8.10.4.
Applications coming soon
Applications are not yet open because currently there are no compliant gateway devices available. However, that is expected to change as manufacturers submit their devices to us for approval.
When there are compliant gateway devices available, we’ll add an application form for a dynamic connection of a EVSE to this page - these applications will not be available in the Electrical Partners Portal and won’t require a Connect Application.
Note: A premises that has an existing dynamic connection agreement for solar PV can also apply for a dynamic connection for a dedicated EV charger. As only a single set of import and export limits can be sent to a premises, a customised dynamic management solution will be developed to manage the operation of the dedicated EV charger and solar PV system.
Three-phase EV charging
At a premises wired for three-phase, a dedicated 22kW (32A per phase) three phase charger when connected and switched simultaneously across all phases, can be connected without requiring the device management options above. This will allow installation of a much faster charger.
For more information see our frequently asked questions for EV charging connections under version 4 of the QECM.