1 February 2021 – Source: ESBNetworks.ie
Fifteen Dingle residents will drive away in a new electric vehicle (EV) today as part of ESB Networks one-year trial.
The objective of the community trial is to understand the impact of electric vehicle charging on the electricity network and whether the optimised use of smart EV charging technologies can minimise those impacts. This latest initiative is one of many trials currently being rolled out by ESB Networks Dingle Project team.
Following an extensive local engagement campaign, 10 new EV Ambassadors from hundreds of applications were selected to participate on this trial. The existing five Dingle Project Ambassadors will also receive an EV while two cars will be made available, on a managed basis, to the wider community so they can also enjoy the electric motoring experience. Smart chargers have been installed at the homes of all 15 participants on the EV trial.
Emma Silke, Electrification and Innovation Delivery Manager at ESB Networks, explains the importance of such a trial and having community involvement: “The electrification of transport is critical to Ireland’s low-carbon future, with ESB Networks playing a critical role in this transition. This trial is important to assess the technologies and resilience required when there is a high number of EVs and smart chargers being used within a community. What we will see over the next year in Dingle is what the future will be within the next 10 to 20 years across every community, with Dingle and its wonderful residents demonstrating their willingness and ambition to lead the way once again.”
The ambassadors selected all have different motoring needs, varying from parents driving their children to school and activities, to local artists, business representatives and retirees. This cross selection will provide ESB Networks with a good understanding of the electric vehicle charging requirements of trial participants and, in turn, will assist in understanding what is required to design and operate the electricity network of the future.
Under the Click and Collect Covid policy, the 15 ambassadors will collect their cars over the next two-days at appointed times from Adams, the Hyundai Dealership in Tralee. Speaking about her selection, Muriel Devane from Annascaul, said: “I feel so honoured to be chosen to participate in this EV trial. I am looking forward to learning more about electric cars and learning more about how our choices now will shape our future.”
Since the Dingle Project was launched in 2018, ESB Networks has installed more than 170 smart and renewable technologies and devices, in the community, homes and electricity network.
