102 - EVs, Hydro, and the New Zealand Power Grid with Carl Barlev
Update: 2025-10-17
Description
In this episode of The OI Podcast, power engineer and EV expert Carl Barlev joins Dr Barb to discuss the shift occurring within New Zealand's power industry.
Carl outlines his journey into power engineering and explains how New Zealand's significant proportion of hydro power provides an advantage for integrating more flexible renewable sources like wind and solar.
The conversation also delves into the critical challenge of matching solar generation peaks with the typical night-time demand for electric vehicle charging, and offers an informed comparison between the long-term sustainability of lithium EV batteries and the finite nature of fossil fuels.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Carl outlines his journey into power engineering and explains how New Zealand's significant proportion of hydro power provides an advantage for integrating more flexible renewable sources like wind and solar.
The conversation also delves into the critical challenge of matching solar generation peaks with the typical night-time demand for electric vehicle charging, and offers an informed comparison between the long-term sustainability of lithium EV batteries and the finite nature of fossil fuels.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
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