Electric Vehicles Archives

Vehicle-to-Grid services: The future for Nevada?

This is a period of great change in the energy sector as we push towards a cleaner and more sustainable economy. With the need to reduce our carbon emissions and tackle climate change at a critical stage, it has opened up to market to a huge number of disruptive and innovative technologies.

One of the major technologies that has made its way to market over the past 10 years is that of electric vehicles (EVs). With the likes of Tesla now manufacturing in Nevada, the formation of Nevada’s Electric Highway from Reno to Las Vegas and announcements from several other Western States that they are to follow suit it has paved the way for the EV industry to boom over the coming years.

We have previously brought to you news about the growth of EVs in Nevada. In fact Nevada has the highest EV growth in the US with this trend likely to continue. In terms of sustainability EVs are seen as the way forward as they offer low maintenance costs, over 50% reduction in CO2 emissions (more if electricity is generated through renewables) and can be used in low emission zones.

The benefits of EVs are now widely reported, however cars are parked over 90% of the time during which they are often left plugged in to charge. This means that a great storage resource (around 40-50kWh battery in new cars) is not being utilized 90% of the time. This is where Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) services come in.

What is V2G and how does it work?

V2G enables the battery of an electric car to essentially become a part of the centralized grid system. A special car charger is installed and when the car is plugged in it allows energy to be either transferred to the grid or to take energy from the grid to charge the car. There is also the possibility of a bidirectional system that would also allow energy stored in the car battery to be used in the home. Basically the car battery can provide a storage option for both the grid and your home.

What are the benefits?

Storage has been a major issue in the energy industry as we look toward more renewable energy sources that can be unpredictable in their production. With so much solar in particular in Nevada storage is an essential component of the future energy infrastructure. Utilities are responsible for ensuring the grid is balanced, supply meets demand. By having V2G storage this helps the utility to balance the grid, taking additional energy at times of peak demand. This is known as a demand response service allowing peak shaving and valley filling (charging vehicle at times of low demand).

As part of a smart grid system the utility can draw on energy from the car at times of peak demand and then charge the car at points of low demand when the energy is cheapest. Equally a homeowner who has solar on their roof can charge the battery during the day and then when it is dark and the solar is not producing they can draw on their storage. To ensure that there is enough charge for your journey the next day owners can manage the system via an app, allowing them to specify how much charge is required to be left in the battery.

While the utility saves money be using storage at peak hours this saving can then be passed on to the customer. It is anticipated in current projects that it would equate to the vehicle owner having to pay $0 in fuel for the vehicle over the year. If they have a vehicle to home system they can also benefit greatly from producing their own energy, minimizing their bills and having enough storage for a few days of power.

Current projects

While there are currently few large scale operational projects, in the UK utility company OVO and car manufacturer Nissan have recently announced a partnership that will make this a reality from 2018. Customers who buy the new Nissan Leaf will be given the opportunity to participate in the program with OVO managing the demand and installing the car charger.

Potential for Nevada

With electric vehicle uptake predicted to continue its drastic increase over the next few years this technology will help them to become a critical factor in a low carbon, clean energy mix. They offer a holistic approach to carbon reduction and energy management, tackling key issues such as storage, emission reductions, increasing renewable energy and cleaner transport.

In Nevada this could mean an increase in the amount of solar we use on the grid at all times of day, resulting in a reduction in fossil fuels, less pressure on the grid and increased energy security for the State. In turn this allows more money to stay in Nevada to be used on key services such as healthcare and education. Such a project would see Nevada as an energy and innovation leader, and with the likes of Tesla in the State similar collaborations as the UK example above could become a real possibility. With the earlier mentioned Electric Highway and policy supporting EVs suggesting an increasing uptake of EVs this could be a real opportunity for Nevada to drive toward a cleaner energy future.

Green Alliance Mixer at the Tesla Showroom

The Green Alliance organized an exhilarating and informative networking event at the Tesla showroom in Las Vegas enjoyed by all of the attendees. The event took place 16^th February and was packed full of informative presentations, fantastic people passionate about a green future for Nevada, and of course the star of the show, the amazing Tesla electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicles and Test Drives

The night centered on the high-tech, stylish, electric Tesla vehicles. Attendees had the amazing opportunity to sign up to test drive two of Tesla’s newest vehicles, the Model S and the Model X SUV.

Firstly, the Model X. It certainly created a buzz as they pulled up outside and opened the futuristic falcon doors. As much spaceship as family SUV, the Model X sports a stylish panoramic windshield, is the safest SUV on the market and has an impressive 250 mile range from one charge. As the falcon doors close down and you are welcomed by the large display screen the driving experience really begins. For an SUV it has amazing acceleration, going from 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds, with an all-wheel drive system operated by two motors offering great versatility. A fun and practical family car.

Secondly, people had the opportunity to experience the lightning speed of the Model S. Like the Model X it has a wonderful space-age look and feel but also possesses a perfect 5.0 safety rating and all-wheel drive. It is a 5 door luxury car but with all the speed you would expect from high end sports cars.

You know you are in for an experience when the Tesla representatives warn you to put your head back and prepare for the G force then follow it up with a countdown. As they pulled up to the long strip of road outside of the showrooms the car was put into “launch mode” in order to create maximum acceleration. It did not disappoint. It certainly got the adrenaline flowing as you are thrown back into your seat and the car went from 0-60 in an incredible 2.5 seconds. The third fastest ever made, and yes it’s electric!

People came back in after their ride with a smile on their face. Many still shaking with their hair standing on end. A scintillating experience, and a look into the green and exciting present and future of electric vehicles.

Following all the excitement the fantastic hosts at Tesla provided an insight into their vision of the future. To “accelerate the Worlds transition to sustainable energy”. Including the introduction of self driving vehicles, the development of storage, solar roof tiles and the increasing number of EV charge points.

While the range of electric vehicles is becoming increasingly impressive there is the need for more charging stations. A Tesla power point charges the car in just 30 minutes and they even offer interchangeable batteries for those who need an instant boost.

UNLV Solar Decathlon

As well as Tesla, the students and Professors from UNLV offered an introduction to the upcoming Solar Decathlon. An event they won in 2013 in the USA and finished second in the World! Their unique housing design showed the future for energy efficient housing. Using only materials available on the market they have designed a building that thinks of everything! It generates electricity and heat using solar, monitors usage of appliances, uses a Tesla Powerwall for storage and can even monitor your health. The team are currently starting work on their prototype with the final competition to take place in Denver this October.

The Green Alliance

The event was concluded with a talk from the wonderful Annette Bubak, director of the Green Alliance. She talked about the exciting events coming up. Most notably GREENFest which takes place on April 22^nd. GREENFest brings together southern Nevada’s sustainable community to gather in one location to inform and educate the public. The event presents various ways to become more sustainable and showcase their meaningful work.

There is also the launch of their exciting new radio show “The Shades of Green” which discusses all manner of green issues and events. The show takes place every Monday 9am -10am on KDWN 720 AM hosted by Paul Ira and co-hosted by Stan Hanel.

A big thank you to the Green Alliance for organizing such a brilliant event, to Tesla for being such accommodating hosts and to the event sponsors Mojave Electric and Polar Shades. They certainly show how far electric vehicles have come. Who says an EV can’t be fun, exciting and fast as well as practical and environmentally friendly? There is also the establishment of Tesla’s Giga factory in Northern Nevada and the State’s development of an electric highway from Las Vegas to Reno. A great, green future for Nevada.

Faraday Electric Car Plant Planned for North Las Vegas

Picture: Faraday Future

Pending legislation, North Las Vegas could soon be home to a Faraday electric car plant, destined to manufacture groundbreaking electric vehicles, said to provide consumers with greater charging range than ever before.

Local government leaders are proposing a deal to Faraday, including tax abatements and credits, that has enticed the company to choose Apex Industrial Park as their factory’s new home, with the intention of breaking ground in early 2016.

The construction and operation of the factory will result in 13,500 permanent jobs and around 3,000 construction jobs. Directly resulting in an economic growth of around $85 billion in the next 20 years.

Governor Sandoval announced the exciting deal last Thursday, mentioning that the next step is to get the deal approved by Nevada legislature.

Tesla Motors Announces Nevada Gigafactory

Tesla Motors Announces Nevada Gigafactory. Nevada and Tesla made it official this last Thursday, as the electric car company announced their plans to build its battery “Gigafactory” just outside Carson City, Nevada.

Tesla CEO spoke publicly about the company’s choice and the new development to come. Tesla plans to provide the facility with its own power on site, to set an example for the community. The build is estimated to cost between $4-5 billon and to bring as many as 6,500 jobs to the Reno area.

The overall economic impact of this massive endeavor is estimated at around $100 billion in local economic gain over the next 20 years, leaving Nevada officials thrilled at the announcement.

I am grateful that Elon Musk and Tesla saw the promise in Nevada. These 21^st century pioneers, fueled with innovation and desire, are embolden by the promise of Nevada to change the world. – Brian Sandoval, Governor of Nevada

For more on Tesla’s big construction project, read the full article here.

Caesars Installs New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Launch of New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Caesars Resorts Revs Up Sustainable Experience for Guests. For people with electric vehicles, guests at Caesars Northern and Southern Nevada resorts and casinos.

Information on The Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Caesars Entertainment Corporation has recently installed 48 new electric vehicle charging stations at 13 of their resorts and casinos. The service is available to guests at no cost. Caesar’s hopes to continue to expand the availability of EV charging at its domestic resorts. These stations are on the ChargePoint network to allow for locating via mobile app. The stations can accommodate both hybrid and all electric models.

We want to make it easy for our guest to continue their green habits while the stay and play at our resorts. Supporting the adoption of electric vehicles is important to Caesars, and we are thrilled to make convenient charging another great amenity for our guests.”—Eric Dominguez, Corporate Director of Facilities, Caesars Entertainment.

The full article can be accessed on the Nassau News Live website.