Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has confirmed that its bi-directional EV infrastructure has been green-lit for grid exports by SA Power Networks (SAPN), in an Australian first.
The milestone approval of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology was the result of a joint effort between MMAL and JET Charge, following a positive trial of the technology at the carmarker’s head office in Adelaide.
“Since we first announced our Head Office bi-directional EV infrastructure intentions, MMAL and JET Charge have been in ongoing consultation with SAPN,” MMAL eMobility Manager, Tim Clarke said.
“The technology is rapidly emerging, so as SAPN’s operational needs evolved, we worked closely to adapt the installation to ensure grid export requirements were met.”
MMAL hosted SAPN at its Adelaide headquarters as the state’s energy authority conducted ‘witness testing’ of its JET Charge-supplied and installed bi-directional hardware and grid protection systems.
A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was connected to one of the two Wallbox Quasar 1 bi-directional chargers and was able to safely export electrical energy stored in its 20kWh lithium-ion on-board drive battery into the state’s power grid.
“Under the approval, MMAL is now unconditionally able to export power from its PHEVs into the grid. This achievement further underscores the wide range of ability our Outlander and Eclipse Cross PHEVs offer,” said Mr Clarke.
Currently MMAL has a fixed 5kW export limit per charger, but the Quasar 1 charger’s ultimate capacity is 7kW could be realised under a ‘dynamic’ export limit in future.
“Mitsubishi PHEVs are fantastic family vehicles that are perfectly suited to short range EV commuting, with zero tailpipe emissions, backed by range-extending petrol-electric hybrid drive to overcome today’s EV infrastructure limitations,” Mr Clarke said.
“With flexible charging options ranging from the simple domestic socket through to DC fast-charging, owners can choose to charge when and where it suits, to minimise cost and maximise convenience.
“As Australia’s V2G landscape continues to mature and access to bi-directional hardware increases, Mitsubishi PHEV owners are well positioned to benefit.
“They will be able to export from their PHEV to the grid or home, reinforcing PHEV’s versatility, while enhancing renewable energy deployment and reducing CO2 emissions across transport and in the grid.”
The only caveat is that the Quasar 1 bi-directional charging has been discontinued until the newer Quasar 2 model arrives later this year, meaning people that don’t already own one will have to wait.
