Trial of electric vehicles begins

An Australian-first trial that will monitor the performance, environmental benefits, policy, infrastructure and practical implications for electric vehicle fleets has been launched at the University of Western Australia.

The university, the private sector and state and local governments will join forces to help demonstrate the potential for widespread use of electric vehicles.

Initiated by CO2 Smart Pty Ltd, the trial involves UWA’s Renewable Energy Vehicle Project and around 10 vehicles, specially converted to electric power, from some of the largest government and industry fleets in the state.

Under the two-year trial, a vehicle from the each fleet will be used to track and collect data while in normal use.

The West Australian, RAC, Telstra, Main Roads WA, City of Perth, City of Swan, Water Corp, Landcorp, Department of Environment and Conservation, and Department of Transport have committed to participate.

Around 10 fast-recharge bays will be installed around Perth for use by the fleet participants. These will be provided, under a separate Australia Research Council Linkage grant, by a consortium led by UWA and including the Department of Transport, Murdoch University, Gull, AEVA and CO2 Smart.

A UWA-led research project will aim to provide the insights needed to enable the wider introduction of electric vehicles.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the project reflected the university’s strong commitment to renewable energy solutions.

Trial technical director Prof Thomas Braunl said the first Australian electric vehicle trial would be conducted in conjunction with the first Australian fast-charging network trial, which will reduce charging times to less than a third of slow charging.

“With these two interconnected trials we are trying to find out how electric vehicles can cope in the real world, what benefits they bring and also what problems can arise and how they can be solved,” he said.

On-road testing of the prototype was due to begin in May.