The Growing Impact of EVs on Australia’s Roads and Power Grid
Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a significant presence on Australia’s roads, with sales climbing from just 1.12% of new cars in mid-2022 to over 8% by mid-2023.
As EVs become more common, the demand for electricity is expected to surge, with predictions that EV charging could increase energy consumption from 20 gigawatt-hours annually to over 1,500 GWh by 2029.

Experts like Peter Kerr, an energy consultant, believe that the future of transportation is inevitably electric, with internal combustion engines gradually being replaced by EVs.
This shift poses challenges for Australia’s power grid, particularly during peak times when mass EV charging could overwhelm the system.
However, solutions like off-peak charging and “vehicle-to-grid” technology, where EV batteries can supply energy back to the grid, offer hope for managing this demand efficiently.
While some skepticism exists about these solutions, the consensus is that with responsible management, Australia’s transition to cleaner transport can be smooth and beneficial for all.
EV enthusiasts like Perth-based Peter Petrovsky remain optimistic, believing that, as with past technological transitions, the grid will adapt and thrive.
Source abc.net