A Leader in the EV Revolution
In this episode David Watson offers deep insights into the energy market, the rise of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the transformative role of smart tariffs in Australia and abroad.
With Australia’s energy market at a turning point, Watson explains why the country is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of EV innovation.
Dave Watson’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Raised in Ireland, Watson recalls a childhood passion for nature, sparked by planting trees and watching David Attenborough documentaries. While his early career led him into finance and capital allocation, a turning point came after reconnecting with Sir David King, the architect behind the UK’s Climate Change Act. That inspiration led Watson to pivot toward renewables and climate-impact investments.
“The transition was about finding purpose while using the skills I already had.”
Through Temporis Capital, Watson helped fund and build solar and wind projects in the UK, paving the way for a more balanced, sustainable energy grid.
From Grid Instability to EV Opportunity
As renewables scaled, energy volatility became a growing issue. Watson quickly recognized the need for flexible, responsive systems—particularly as solar and wind led to unpredictable supply.
He saw batteries as the key, but rather than investing in stationary infrastructure, Watson envisioned a future where EVs themselves could balance the grid.
“If we can smart-charge EVs when energy is abundant, they become part of the energy solution, not just another load.”
This vision birthed Ohme, a company built on integrating EV charging with smart tariffs and dynamic grid responsiveness.
Smart Tariffs: A Game Changer for EV Charging
Watson explains how Ohme’s early partnership with UK retailer Octopus Energy catalyzed the development of time-of-use (TOU) and dynamic tariffs. Their smart charger and software enabled EV drivers to charge at the cheapest—and cleanest—times of day automatically.
How It Works:
- Driver plugs in their EV
- Sets desired charge level and deadline
- Ohme calculates cheapest charging windows using live tariff data
This allows drivers to save hundreds per year while also supporting grid stability.
“People used to wake up at 1AM to start charging. Ohme made it automatic.”
Why Australia is Prime for Smart EV Charging
Watson sees Australia as the perfect storm of opportunity:
- 80% of drivers have off-street parking, ideal for smart charging
- Abundant rooftop solar leads to frequent negative energy prices
- Forward-looking retailers like AGL, Origin, Amber, and Octopus (now part-owned by Origin) are ready to offer dynamic pricing
“You have the solar, the space, and now the EVs. All the ingredients are there.”
While the EV market is still maturing in Australia, the rapid growth mirrors the UK’s own trajectory in 2017. Watson believes smart integration of tariffs and technology will drive mass adoption.
The Future of Home Batteries vs. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Watson also tackles the debate between home battery storage and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
While home batteries currently dominate due to earlier incentives and simplicity, Watson predicts that AC V2G, where energy flows two ways through a standard EV charger, will soon reshape the market.
“With AC V2G, you use your EV battery to power your home without expensive gear. That’s a game changer.”
As EVs become cheaper and more technically capable, they may outcompete home batteries for energy storage.
Competing in a Crowded Market
With dozens of EV chargers entering the market, Watson argues that hardware is no longer the differentiator. Instead, it’s about customer experience, software intelligence, and grid integration.
Ohme focuses on:
- Seamless onboarding and installation
- Smart energy savings through automated load shifting
- B2B partnerships with automakers and utilities
“When smart charging works 95% of the time, people are thrilled. If it fails 5% of the time, they lose trust. That’s the real battleground.”
Expanding Globally: What Makes a Market Attractive
Besides Australia, Ohme is scaling into France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. While each country has its quirks, Watson looks for:
- Price volatility
- Rooftop solar penetration
- Dynamic tariffs
- Regulatory openness
These factors indicate a market ready for smart charging and tariff optimization.
What’s Next for EV Charging and E-Mobility?
Looking ahead, Watson predicts that by 2035:
- Most homes will have energy automation tools
- EVs will serve dual roles as transport and home energy storage
- Dynamic pricing will be the norm
- Autonomous driving and shared mobility models will gain ground
“In 10 years, how we drive, store energy, and consume power will be unrecognizable.”
The key? Making it seamless. Users won’t need to understand kilowatt hours or tariffs—just plug in and save.
Final Thoughts
Watson’s journey from environmental science to financial markets to EV infrastructure reveals a powerful lesson: when purpose meets innovation, transformation follows.
Australia is on the cusp of an e-mobility boom, and companies like Ohme are poised to guide the way.
“We’re not just selling a charger. We’re helping people drive for less, use their energy smarter, and shape a better energy future.”
Related Reading
FAQs
What are smart tariffs?
Smart tariffs offer cheaper energy rates during off-peak or low-demand periods, helping EV drivers charge for less.
Can Ohme chargers work with rooftop solar?
Yes. Ohme chargers are designed to integrate with solar setups, maximizing self-consumption and minimizing costs.
Is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) available in Australia?
While early-stage, V2G is being trialed and will become more viable as AC-enabled EVs and smart tariffs expand.
Do I need to switch energy providers to use Ohme?
No. Ohme works with multiple Australian energy retailers to provide flexibility and compatibility.
