Australia has launched its first ever trial of electric vehicles today at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
A first trial of ten electric vehicles specially converted to run on electric power, was launched toady by Western Australia’s Transport Minister Simon O’Brien at the university grounds.
The ten vehicles will begin the two year trial with 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 all to take a vehicle each to test as part of the real world testing of electric vehicles.
Around 10 fast-recharge bays will be installed around Western Australia’s capital Perth for use by the fleet participants, while the university will study the use and performance of the vehicles to produce a research project which will aim to provide the insights needed to enable the wider introduction of electric vehicles. Initiated by CO2 Smart Pty Ltd, a electric vehicle fleet management company, the trial will be used to track and collect data on the performance of the electric vehicles.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the project reflected the University’s strong commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Managing Director of the WA Electrical Vehicle trial and CO2 Smart CEO Terry Mader said: "We are excited at the opportunity to manage the first Australian EV fleet trial, which is the first serious Australian implementation of electric vehicles into large government and corporate fleets. CO2 Smart is an integrated electric vehicle fleet management company, working with organisations to lower per kilometre costs as well as remove vehicle-related CO2 emissions. This includes correct vehicle selection, the required recharging network and organisational support."
Trial technical director Professor 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 one 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," Professor Braunl said.
"The charging data collected will allow us to predict future EV infrastructure requirements as well as future electricity demands and grid loads, when more cars will be electric."
On-road testing of the prototype is due to begin in May.
