Taipower is a key source of electricity for transportation transformation. In response to the growing trend of electric vehicles in Taiwan's 2050 net-zero emission path, Taipower has been promoting electric vehicle R&D applications. The opening ceremony for an electric vehicle charging demonstration site was held today at the Taipei City Office. Present were Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hwa; Taipower Acting Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng and President Wang Yao-ting; and distinguished guests from electric vehicle, charging, and equipment manufacturers and related public associations. Together, they witnessed the opening of the nation's first electric vehicle charging demonstration site integrated with an underground parking lot. Minister Wang Mei-Hwa also officially announced that the tariff for charging and switching facilities, which has been a major concern for the development of electric vehicles, will be officially launched on May 30 (Monday). This is in anticipation of the three main features of "low basic charge; high price difference; and long distance from peak", which will drive the development of the electric vehicle market and respond to the national net-zero target.
In response to the National 2050 Net Zero Emission Pathway Plan, electric vehicles will play a key role in the decarbonization of vehicles. In addition, they will serve as an important mobile decentralized energy storage device for the future decentralized power system, one that can be charged during off-peak hours to reduce load fluctuations. By also sending power back to the grid during peak hours, electric vehicles will become a new helper to enhance the resilience of the grid. At present, the proportion of electric vehicles is still not high, and the overall supply of electricity is stable, so promoting this charging price mechanism will not affect the supply of electricity. That means this is the best time to test the EV load management market mechanisms, to prepare for future trends of EV growth and new electricity markets such as the decentralized grid.
Taipower officials explained that the scale of the electric motor vehicle market in Taiwan has been writing whole new chapters in recent years. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the number of units was close to 600,000 at the end of April, driving overall demand for home charging stations. A portion of existing residential charging stations are added individually directly from behind existing household meters. Thus, in the long run, in addition to the complicated wiring ruining the aesthetics of public spaces, it may also affect the safety of people's home electricity.
In response to the demand for electric vehicles, Taipower has built the first electric vehicle smart charging demonstration site in the country. This site integrates an existing underground parking lot at the Taipower Taipei City Branch, next to National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. It will be officially opened today (May 27), and will be used as an example of residential charging station installation, demonstrating the integration of charging facilities with dedicated electric vehicle meters and EMS (Energy Management Systems). All this provides a new model for residential charging that takes into account both safety, aesthetics, and intelligent management. Tariffs for the charging and switching facilities were also officially announced.
The new charging tariff is based on international electric industry practices, and integrates EV charging and switching needs. The goal is to promote deployment of charging station infrastructure and create a niche for EV market development, while taking into account electric power system stability. This model is suited to users with high demand for electricity and contracted capacity, including charging stations in residential parking lots (e.g., community building management committees), EV charging stations (e.g., public parking lots and private charging stations), and electric motor vehicle battery exchange stations.
Taipower officials said that the basic electricity tariff for the charging and switching facilities has been reduced by 80%, significantly reducing the burden of fixed costs on customers. The price difference between peak and off-peak electricity consumption has been widened to more than NT$6/kWh, encouraging customers to charge during off-peak hours. Electric vehicles have a "charge first, use later" feature, and allow flexible options for charging time and speed, such as charging at home or at work, or choosing fast charging or slow charging, etc. In consideration of these features, the tariff has been designed with an ultra-long off-peak time of 18 hours, twice that of the normal time tariff. Users can thus flexibly choose their charging times, and enjoy tariff discounts by charging during off-peak hours.
Taipower hopes to promote smart charging management through the promotion of dedicated electric vehicle meters and tariffs for charging and switching facilities. By taking into account residential spatial aesthetics and electricity safety, as well as increasing overall incentives for the deployment of charging stations and switching stations, Taipower will be able to promote the popularity of charging and switching facilities, reduce vehicle owners' anxiety about charging (mileage), attract potential vehicle owners, and promote positive development of the electric vehicle industry market.
Taipower officials stated that customers can learn more about the special tariff on Taipower's official website (https://www.taipower.com.tw/tc/page.aspx?mid=6594), or by contacting local sales offices. Taipower will also launch a tariff trial service to help customers evaluate the best-suited tariff plans. For EV charging demonstration sites, Taipower also welcomes interested parties such as community management committees and EV charging facility operators to visit. Interested parties should call to make an appointment at the Taipower Taipei Office (02-2378-8111, ext. 5601).
Spokesperson: Wu Chin-chung, Chief Specialist Engineer
Tel: (02) 2366-6271/0910-192-766
Email: u850899@taipower.com.tw
Sales Contact: Wang Hua-lan Wang, Taipei City Branch Office Deputy Director (Electric Vehicle Charging Demonstration Site)
Tel.: (02) 2378-8111#5001/0965-457-647
Email: u873099@taipower.com.tw
Business Contact: Yiu Yau-Chen, Electricity Distribution Department Deputy Director (dedicated to meter issues)
Tel: (02) 2366-7562/0939-890-208
Email: u149005@taipower.com.tw
Business Contact: Tsai Chih-Meng, Business Office Director (Electric Vehicle Charging and Switching Facilities Tariff Issues)
Tel: (02) 2366-6674/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw