Peer to Peer business model for EV charging networks

[matta]

Hi all, I've been considering buying an EV, but live in regional Australia. If mobile phone networks are anything to go by, we here will be struggling to get good regional charging network coverage for decades to come. All the EV initiatives so far are top-down/oligopoly approach. So i'm thinking we could develop a peer to peer business model for charging, to get breadth and scalability in places like Aus.

Things to consider....
High cost of infrastructure relative to cost of power
Long charging times, without major wiring/capacitor upgrades.
Intercharge distances of 100km
Existing plugshare mapping, but no booking and billing, and no business model behind it.

Given the long charge times, I am thinking charging would have to be integrated with tourism/accommodation if just using domestic AC. So maybe developing a Green EV Touring app as an add on to peer accommodation.

In the early days we would have to redefine car touring as slower and more fragmented than the hydrocarbon-fuelled marathons we currently undertake. EV car trips would have to become part of the 'slow movement', at least until technology advances. 

cheers
matt

[Feng]

Hi Matta,

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately getting people to crowdfund a charging network has been talked about here before and it usually doesn't get much traction. I've suggested one in the outskirts of Sydney and another guy had a similar idea to yours last year: ozleaf.proboards.com/thread/507/introduction-project-atlas - the market is just too small for that for now and governments/big businesses are currently our best option for a charging network. Just look at the recent RAC EV highway in WA for an example.

Where abouts are you located? You might be better off with a PHEV instead if long distance is something you need once in a while.

[matta]

Hey Feng, thanks for the reply. I'm not at all surprised this idea has already been proposed, as it seems so obvious. The paucity of cars in Australia will retard these initiatives for many years to come, i expect. Such a shame, as risks of Mad Max dystopias become more real, the more we delay embracing a renewable energy future for our transport.

[gabzimiev]

yeah you actually have to think a bit differently and list everywhere your car currently spends more than 2hours doing nothing. now that is where you want your primary charging facilities, answer will be home and work then next one is accommodation when away from home and maybe shops if you really like shopping.

[Deleted]

Emailed Jan Norberger Liberal MLA suggesting places like
Libraries, parks, beaches, shopping centres,

Didn't mention
hotels, motels, places of worship

Even visionary petrol stations like bp franchises in Perth with solar on roof might be approachable.
forums.aeva.asn.au/bp-service-stations-with-solar-perth_topic4555_post57247.html?KW=Bp#57247

[jeffjl]

Matta. One thing you need to consider with EVs is that they are not for everybody, yet.

There are applications for the current generation of EVs and use in regional Australia, in my opinion, is not a worthwhile use of an EV. Even with a plug in hybrid the small battery size means that you will be lugging tens of kilograms of battery weight around with an under powered motor. I don't believe that even a Tesla with a 400km range would be appropriate. Spend the money on solar and battery storage.

[Deleted]

Work shop eat play
Chargepoint Slogan

Attachments:

[matta]

Thanks all for feedback.

Yes, current technology butts up against whats practical, for the next 3-5 years, maybe more. Thats why we have to link it to accommodation for the early years. Tourism is more flexible than commuting, so if we were to start growing a bottom-up network, in regional Australia, tourism is the logical place to start.

If you include the option of 10hr 240V AC, there may be many tourist businesses which would sign on. If we then get a car donated from each manufacturer, and recruit some EV zealots to drive around the country, promoting the whole EV, peer charging, Clean Energy Future. Create a social media storm.

The other idea is developing the whole enterprise as a grassroots NFP/ Co-op/ mutual association, like NRMA, which has a political role, advocating for EVs and sustainable transport. The NRMA was in operation for 6 years as a lobby group, before the idea of insurance came along. If we create a body, whose financial underpinning is the expected, future value of a peer network, i think we could draw in big energy, car manufacturers, charging hardware manufacturers, government, hire car. I'm sharing this in absolute faith that we do this together.

I've been thinking I should talk to the AEVA.

[Deleted]

perhaps we can do something like this
zerocarbonworld.org

they've currently run out of chargers tho'
and need more funding/donations

[matta]

yes, the only thing the charitable business model of zerocarbonworld.org needs for australia, is packaging as a sustainable tourism/motoring vision.

you'd think the move to EVs should start to fall under the corporate social responsibility of big energy, networks, manufacturers.

i think its important to iron out the structure early on. very out of my depth here.

[Deleted]

Perhaps pray could also be added?
Work shop eat play pray

[gabzimiev]

Church normally goes for at least an hour so it's another good spot.