Joseph Evans, a winery owner of Ballycroft Vineyard, Barossa Valley in South Australia, has made history by becoming the first person in the country to power his business using solar energy stored in his electric vehicle (EV).
Evans signed up for the Nissan Leaf vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot’s innovative system, designed and installed, allowing the winery owner to store excess solar energy in the car’s battery during the day and then use it to power his business at night.
Source&Image: Nissan Australia – Ballycroft Vineyard, Barossa Valley
The system uses photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels on the winery’s roof to capture the sun’s energy, which is then converted into electricity and stored in the car’s battery. The car, parked at the winery, acts as a mobile battery that can power the business when the sun goes down.
Source&Image: Nissan Australia – Joseph Evans on his Nissan Leaf
“It is the holy grail of EV ownership,” the winery owner said.
Evans is thrilled with the new system, which he says has been a game-changer for his business. “I can’t believe how easy it is to power my business using solar energy stored in my electric car,” he said.
“It’s not only saved me money but it’s also helped me do my part to protect the environment.”
The V2G system has already helped the winery owner save hundreds of dollars per month on his electricity bill. It has also allowed him to reduce his carbon footprint, as the system produces clean, renewable energy that doesn’t produce greenhouse gases.
“We make nearly $3,000 a year by putting a little bit of power back in the grid,” said Evans.
“Our solar completely runs our whole property – runs the pumps for the vineyard, runs the rainwater pumps for the house – so we’re completely self-sufficient.”
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Other winery owners in the area are now considering following in the footsteps of the pioneering business owner as the benefits of using renewable energy continue to become more apparent. The system’s success has also caught the attention of renewable energy companies and government officials, who are now exploring the possibility of implementing similar systems in other businesses and homes.
However, at the moment, besides Nissan Leaf, only plug-in hybrid models of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Outlander can boast V2G functionality in Australia.
Source&Image: Nissan Australia – Winery owner, Joseph Evans using his Nissan Leaf EV to deliver wines
Benefits of electric vehicle (EV)
Using an electric vehicle to power a winery is a prime example of how renewable energy can power businesses affordably and sustainably. It’s an exciting development that could pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.
But the benefits of electric cars go beyond just their use as mobile batteries. They are also much more environmentally friendly than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, as they produce zero emissions. This makes them a more sustainable transportation option, as they do not contribute to air pollution or climate change.
The benefits of V2G technology are numerous. For EV owners, it allows them to earn money by selling excess energy stored in their vehicle’s battery back to the grid. It also helps to extend the battery’s life, as charging and discharging the battery in small increments is more effective than fully charging and discharging it.
For the grid, V2G technology helps to stabilise supply and demand, ensuring that there is always enough electricity to meet demand. It can also help reduce the need for expensive and polluting fossil fuel power plants, often used to meet peak demand.
The Barossa winery is one of many businesses in Australia to turn to electric cars to help power its operations. Many other companies, including hotels and shopping centers, have also installed electric car charging stations and encourage their employees to use electric cars for their daily commutes.
Check out our page to learn more about electric vehicles available in Australia.
Nissan Leaf V2G at a glance
Nissan is leading the charge in South Australia’s vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market, with the company’s electric vehicles (EVs) being used to help stabilise the state’s electricity grid. V2G technology allows EVs to be connected to the grid, allowing them to be charged or discharged based on the grid’s needs.
Nissan has been working closely with the South Australian government and energy companies to roll out V2G technology across the state. The company has installed V2G chargers at many government buildings, including the Adelaide Convention Centre, and is working on a pilot program to test the technology in residential homes.
In addition to its work on V2G technology, Nissan is also leading the charge in EV adoption in South Australia. The company has set up several fast charging stations across the state, making it easier for EV owners to recharge their vehicles on long journeys. It has also been working with car-sharing company GoGet to offer EVs as part of its fleet, further increasing the accessibility of EVs to the general public.
Nissan’s efforts in South Australia’s V2G market are helping to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. By using excess renewable energy to power EVs, the company is not only reducing emissions but also helping to stabilise the state’s electricity grid. As more and more people adopt EVs and V2G technology becomes more widespread, we will likely see a shift towards a more decentralised and renewable energy system.
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