Sustainability network presents electric vehicles
More than 50 people enjoyed a detailed briefing on the present and future of electric vehicles in Warragul recently.
Baw Baw Sustainability Network presented the evening at Warragul RSL and featured vehicles ranging from electric bicycles and motorcycles to high-end BMW and Tesla cars, with presentations from the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) and Gippsland Solar.
The meeting heard electric vehicles present a number of advantages - lower fuel costs, lower maintenance, lower emissions of all sorts and smooth and quiet handling. In many cases, presenters said electric vehicles now outperform combustion powered vehicles.
Battery life, cost and charging at home and on road has improved markedly in recent times. However, different systems used in different vehicles remains a limitation for public charging stations.
They also heard range had improved, with Tesla S achieving 370km to 500km on one charge.
Paul Paton from ATA rode to the talk on his Zero Vetrix motorcycle from Ringwood to Warragul, at a cost of about 90 cents. He added the full range of vehicle types were now being produced in electric version, even trucks which often use hydrogen fuel cells. “With no gears, clutch, exhaust or radiator and a brushless motor there is almost nothing to wear out, except maybe some bearings,” said Mr Pattern. “Range is over 250km and torque is nearly double the equivalent combustion engine bike. Unlike combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have better range in city driving because almost no fuel is used when stationary.”
Shane Clayton from Gippsland Solar outlined the details of their Tesla S which runs electric motors on front and rear axles giving fourwheel drive without drive train limitations.
“It included hands-free driving, which I must confess I find still a bit disturbing,” said Mr Clayton. “It is our standard business car, and is used continually with no problems.”
“We decided to install a Tesla charging station at our Traralgon site, which can charge from empty to full in less than 45 minutes.”
The cost of the power is low, especially as they have substantial solar panels on site. Home charging on off-peak rates would cost $15.
“We have found the ongoing cost to us is around $1 per year,” he said.
Copies of the presentations are available on the BBSN website, bbsn.org.au.