AUSTRALIA'S NEWS SOURCE FOR ELECTRIC, INTELLIGENT AND AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTATION

MAY/JUNE 2020 .COM.AU - A MARVEL p7

Solar car ports p5 Hyundai ionic delivers options p12 NEWSTALK PUT AUSTRALIA IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT ustralia has the chance to set the preservation for future purposes. pace for tomorrow’s transport. Lessons learned by the COVID-19 The country can not go on as it pandemic include not continuing A By EVtalk editor has done before the COVID-19 pandemic down old pathways. Geoff Dobson with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Climate change is cited as a major And that’s the thinking from many factor among reasons for taking action. involved in the automotive industry here, If the climate chaos which hit Australia particularly those advocating more use in the past year is anything to go by - of renewables like solar and wind power bushfires, droughts and storms – then too. So, incentives, a policy push and which could be utilised by EVs. something needs to be done. other help from the federal government Many in the cities noticed the reduced air Australia could literally will be needed. pollution resulting from vehicles staying Otherwise Australia risks going back become a world off the streets during the pandemic to dragging the chain globally on the powerhouse in whatever restrictions. People had plenty of time to transport revolution and related climate think about it, and surveys suggest EV change impacts. future forms of transport demand will quickly pick up as a result. The answer seems to be to get Australia develop. One such survey by the Australasian more nationally focused on renewable Fleet Management Association (AfMA) energy which in turn can power electric Australia has already taken major steps is expected to pave the way for transport and provide more e-mobility in the renewables field, as demonstrated increased EV uptake in fleets, helping options. by the grid connected Hornsdale Power reduce emissions. It could lead Australia to building its own Reserve in South Australia built by Tesla Why should we go back to the way it was? electric (and driverless) vehicles – even proving its worth. Owned and operated by The only real obstacle to a zero- aircraft – for both domestic use and Neoen, Hornsdale’s capacity was increased emissions transport future may lie in the export. by 50% before the end of March 2020. pandemic’s economic impact. Australia could literally become a world Rooftop solar developments and their One in three households are worse off powerhouse in whatever future forms of use for microgrids, solar arrays and financially since the pandemic arrived, transport develop. more have set a world standard. according to the Australian Bureau of And it would revitalise the country in a Many other renewable energy projects Statistics. post COVID-19 world. are planned or under way throughout Businesses have generally been hit hard Australia, although some have been hit with delays and grappled with regulatory frameworks which need resolving. Most of the renewable projects are driven by state or territory governments, while the federal government should be placing more emphasis on clean energy projects and electric transport. At least that’s the thinking behind organisations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC). The SAE-A believes the right initiatives by Australia’s governments could re- establish Australia as a world-class local car industry, helping drive autonomous and electric vehicles. It reckons Australian engineers have the skills, like the flexible thinking needed for such projects, and that Australia still has vital automotive assets which require With the right political will, Australia could be a leader in a future transport world

2 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au NEWSTALK

The popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV EV PURCHASES PICK UP ou can still buy cars in Australia in That comes from The Investor Agenda, spite of the COVID-19 pandemic which represents 1200 international Yrestrictions – and potential investment companies managing trillions in customers are being urged to get an EV assets, asking governments to accelerate to spare the planet. towards a net zero emissions world. While showroom foot traffic is down and Investors say money is available to help the latest April/May new vehicle sales governments stimulate their economies figures show one of the biggest slumps through green measures such as in Australian automotive history because funding EV charging infrastructure. Emma Herd of the virus, consumer confidence is The letter urges governments to avoid “The introduction of new-generation reportedly starting to lift and battery prioritising "risky, short-term emissions- Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid vehicles electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales intensive projects”, saying in Australia is still ramping up, with key are expected to increase. investors are increasingly seeking low- model arrivals including the A 250e and Reasons include a rise in online emissions investment opportunities and GLC 300e still to come, along with greater enquiries as new EV and PHEV models tightening controls against emission- volumes of the EQC 400,” he says. and variants are due to arrive with intensive activities. “Currently, there is no adverse impact minimal delays due to the pandemic and “Investors strongly support new measures on the availability of vehicles or parts to associated restrictions. to drive a sustainable recovery,” Investor dealers in Australia.” Lewis says Indeed, EV and hybrid sales were far Group on Climate Change chief executive Mercedes-Benz is closely monitoring Emma Herd of Australia says. developments and has further new “We already know that government policy vehicles in the pipeline. that spurs fresh private investment in Mitsubishi Motors Australia had a good clean energy, green industry and other March with 57 PHEVs sold compared with sustainable infrastructure will lead to much- 39 in February and 18 in January, totalling needed jobs and economic growth.” 114 in the first quarter. She says the Australian Government The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the should be looking to integrate recovery most popular PHEVs in Australia and New plans with its technology investment The Mercedes-Benz EQC Zealand. roadmap, long-term emissions reduction Hyundai Motor Company Australia strategy, grid modernisation planning reports continuing good sales in March, better in April/May than those of fossil and bushfire recovery to build greater with 58 Kona EVs sold that month – the fuel vehicles (see P11). resilience and reduce climate risk. same number as February. EV producers are beginning to ramp up Herd is a member of the Queensland About 36 all-electric Ioniqs sold in March production and makers such as Tesla Climate Change Advisory Council, the compared with 42 in February and 38 in have continued to do well. steering committee of the Australian January, with November 2019 recording At the same time, production of Sustainable Finance Initiative and the 85 sales. renewable energy is growing in Australia New Zealand Sustainable Finance Forum. Far fewer Ioniq PHEVs and hybrids and EV charging infrastructure is on track. An increase in customer research online (HEVs) sold in March with seven and Helping the cause is a plea to global and subsequent contact with the dealer nine recorded respectively. governments, including Australia, to network for more information via email Hyundai reports no current stock issues invest in a “sustainable” post COVID-19 and/or phone is reported by Mercedes- resulting from COVID-19. recovery such as providing for low to Benz Australia/Pacific media relations EV dealers have adopted virtual zero emission vehicles to combat the and product communications manager showrooms, contactless sales, social “climate crisis”. Ryan Lewis. Continued on page 4

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A DIAMOND SOLUTION FOR ENERGY STORAGE safer, more stable and more ion batteries, which use electro- lines, aerospace electronics, efficient energy storage solution chemical reactions to store and and field emission, batteries, Athan chemical-based batteries release energy, a mechanical intelligent textiles and structural such as lithium-ion is being touted by energy system itself would composites such as building Queensland University of Technology carry much lower risk by materials. (QUT) researchers. comparison,” Zhan says. The team is now planning They’ve demonstrated a new form of “At high temperatures chemical production of an experimental energy storage using bundles of diamond storage systems can explode nanoscale mechanical energy nanothreads (DNT) - a collection of or can become non-responsive Dr Haifei Zhan system as proof of concept, and ultrathin one-dimensional carbon threads at low temperatures. These can it could take two or three years which store energy when twisted or also leak upon failure, causing chemical to build the control mechanism for the stretched, and then release that energy as pollution,” Zhan says, adding that system to store energy – the system the twisted bundle unravels. mechanical energy storage systems don’t which controls twisting and stretching of Dr Haifei Zhan, from the QUT Centre for have such risks. the nanothread bundle. Materials Science, and his colleagues “Previous research has shown such a Research findings were published by successfully modelled the mechanical structure made with carbon nanotubes Nature Communications in the paper: energy storage and release capabilities could lift 50,000 times its own weight.” Ultra-high Density Mechanical Energy of a DNT bundle. Zhan’s team found the nanothread bundle’s Storage with Carbon Nanothread Bundle, “Similar to a compressed coil or children’s energy density is 1.76 MJ per kilogram, and form the basis of Zhan’s ARC wind-up toy, energy can be released as which was four to five orders higher than a Discovery project – A Novel Multilevel the twisted bundle unravels,” Zhan says. conventional steel spring, and up to three Modelling Framework to Design Diamond “If you can make a system to control the times compared to li-ion batteries. Nanothread Bundles. power supplied by the nanothread bundle Carbon nanothread bundle applications Zhan is from the School of Mechanical, it would be a safer and more stable energy as an energy source could be endless, Medical and Process Engineering. storage solution for many applications.” Zhan says. This research was funded through the The new carbon structure could be a “The benefits for aerospace applications ARC Discovery program and was a potential micro-scale power supply for EVs, are obvious. If we can reduce the collaboration between the QUT Centre implanted biomedical sensing systems weight of a system, we can significantly for Materials Science, Agency for monitoring heart and brain functions, reduce its fuel requirements and costs. Science, Technology and Research in through to small robotics and electronics. “The nanothread bundles could be used Singapore, and the National University of “Unlike chemical storage such as lithium- in next-generation power Singapore. EV PURCHASES PICK UP

Continued from page 3 in cities and country towns across the “The Government should also consider distancing and strict hygiene standards nation,” AADA chief executive officer ways to incentivise the renewal of our during the coronavirus crisis, so people James Voortman says. fleet, assisting the uptake of newer, safer can still check out EVs and take them for The AADA is asking the and lower emitting cars. test drives under specific conditions. government to consider “We also need to address the Meanwhile, the Australian Automotive extending the $150,000 tightening of credit brought on Dealers Association (AADA) wants the instant asset write-off by the royal commission and federal government to provide further beyond June 30 and to compounded by the COVID-19 economic stimulus to help the industry remove the car limit that crisis. If credit is not freed up, recover as COVID-19 has exacerbated applies to this initiative. this recovery will not happen.” an already struggling sector. “There is simply no rationale Voortman says various taxes “Passenger cars is Australia’s third for treating cars differently James Voortman applied on cars at the federal biggest import; the industry contributes to other assets,” Voortman and state levels need to be almost $13 billion to the economy; and says. urgently reviewed. dealerships employ nearly 60,000 jobs

4 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au NEWSTALK SOLAR CAR PORTS POWER UP EVS partnership between Solar All solar panel types are accepted, and Car Parks (SCP) and Schletter the structure is engineered for all wind AAustralia – both Sydney based – regions and is ground mount or multi- sees SCP launch the Heliopark range of storey slab compatible. solar car ports in Australia and Asia. That means solar car shades are suitable By incorporating Schletter’s world-class for a wide variety of uses and structures, racking solution into SCP’s premium whether malls, council buildings or sports Solar Car Parks not only provide power and shade but can prepare shopping centres like this range of functional and aesthetically facilities and parks. at Elizabeth City Centre in Adelaide for more pleasing solar structures, SCP aims Extra light reflected off cars can be EVs. Image: Vicinity Centres to expand solar car parks throughout absorbed by bifacial solar panels which Australia and New Zealand. also increases system performance and That’s particularly in shopping centres to the design is able to support single row prepare for increasing demand from or nose-to-nose parking. a growing number of EVs. The Heliopark system offsets The Heliopark system is energy consumption by designed for Australian feeding clean energy conditions and provides produced by the solar car both shading and power park back to the main switch The Heliopark Pro solar structure production, benefitting board, reducing the need Asia,” the company says. shoppers and EV charging. for grid fed energy, Solar Car ”We feel it is only a matter of time before But solar car shade construction Parks project developer Paul Paul Nealgrove all large commercial organisations in isn’t always straightforward. Nealgrove says. Australia take advantage of both the Complex foundation Various reports note that the space and the sun available in this requirements and building certification cost difference between rooftop solar country to not only reduce costs but to be are needed. and solar car ports is reducing, especially more beneficial to our environment.” SCP simplifies and removes risks from the as more commercial users make the The advantages of solar car parks are process by providing detailed analysis of all most of the renewable power source quickly evident. preliminary engineering stages. to improve energy reliability and often They provide shade and keep the car and Solar car parking creates significant clean reduce reliance on the national grid. visitors cool on a hot summer’s day and the energy on-site, can expand on an existing Solar Car Parks studies the site rain off, allow customers to charge their EVs rooftop solar system, provides a strong orientation, determines appropriate while shopping, and provide the business visual impact around sustainable action product selection, establishes the involved with “green” credentials. for the businesses involved, provides a optimum cost efficiency, energy density, It also ensures social distancing in a post more comfortable parking experience and sets installation parameters. pandemic world. for customers and employees, heavily More than 30,000 square metres of Solar Car Parks provides three levels of reduces CO2 emissions and improves solar car shades have been established charging capability, including DC the National Australian Built Environment around Australia. fast charging. Rating System (NABERS) which measures Various financial options are available to buildings’ environmental performance. fund the solar and car shade structures, The solar car parking can also provide such as using a capital works budget, an additional income stream for the leasing the system, chattel mortgages, property that can be capitalised, Power Purchase Agreements (just paying increases asset value, reduces peak for solar power created), lease generation demand costs, future proofs EV models or roof rental options. charging demand and provides about SCP is exploring new opportunities with 2.8kW of solar footprint per car space. These include a 4.4MW combined system a strategic partner in New Zealand, and Annual solar generation per 100kW/36 in Castle Plaza and Elizabeth City Centre is also looking for other opportunities spaces equals 140MW and the solar car in Adelaide, the Leichhardt Marketplace to expand this exciting solar solution port can give more than 25 years of solar 330kW system in Sydney and a new solar throughout Australasia. energy generation. car park in Melbourne’s city of Brimbank. Visit http://www.solarcarparks.com.au The return on investment (ROI) is typically “Car park solar shading is huge or email [email protected] for around five to seven years, including the throughout Europe and is gaining traction more information. structure. in other parts of the globe like the US and

EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au | 5 NEWSTALK

EVtalk Magazine is published for Australia by Auto Media Group FLATTENING THE 8/152 Quay Street, Limited. P.O. Box 10 50 10, Auckland City, 1030. Ph. 09 309 2444. POST COVID-19

EDITOR TRANSPORT CURVE Geoff Dobson +64 21 881 823 he COVID-19 pandemic has [email protected] prompted a global change In Aurecon’s latest Just Imagine blog Tin travel habits and tamed post, Victoria transport planning GROUP CHIEF REPORTER the peak hour commute. leader Sam Linke says we now Robert Barry The conversation has changed have the opportunity to rethink and +64 22 018 0998 in a few months from where we redesign our transport systems. [email protected] work to how and when we work, with social distancing and other BUSINESS MANAGER - restrictions steeply reducing travel in EVTALK Changing habits Sophie Song and out of major cities. The costs of a congested daily commute +64 21 778 745 Transport peaks have flattened on major go beyond the massive capital and [email protected] metropolitan arterial routes world-wide. operating costs of physical infrastructure Has this created the disruption needed for a and include the downtime of sitting in traffic, GROUP GENERAL MANAGER redesign of transport systems? missed family and social time, productivity Deborah Baxter This may involve more e-mobility and reductions, and environmental costs. +64 27 530 5016 especially autonomous vehicle (AV) Reports from the Grattan Institute and [email protected] transport. Infrastructure Victoria are just two of the London was able to cut road traffic by 15% most recent analyses of a global problem MANAGING EDITOR during the 2012 Olympic Games and even created by vast urban sprawl and the Richard Edwards managed to sustain most of that reduction persistent gap between where people +64 21 556 655 after the event. live and work. [email protected] As road and rail systems in major cities have become significantly de-stressed, PUBLISHER in some areas people are already Vern Whitehead marvelling at air quality improvements. +64 21 831 153 [email protected] Rebuilding and reimagining We can use a period of broken habits to build new ones. What if we challenge Auto Media Group Limited makes every endeavour to ensure information contained in this publication is the idea that we all must travel to a accurate, however we are not liable for any losses or workplace every day? How many people issues resulting from its use. must be at a workplace? Why does the Printed by: Alpine Printers. A brave new transport world awaits entire workforce have to arrive and depart en masse? This significant cut in road traffic was A major threat to liveability in our cities is if achieved despite 700,000 ticket holders population growth and associated transport moving around London on the busiest day demand outpaces infrastructure capacity. of the Games, as companies embraced Governments around the world invest working remotely and a record-breaking significantly in infrastructure, but often 60 million passengers used the Tube for this can only be justified in response to an transport. existing problem, creating a lag between the The primary reason for this success was a evtalk.co.nz need and response. change in travel habits. In some cases, these projects cause evtalk.com.au COVID-19 may have done the same. commuters further delays and frustration autotalk.co.nz In a post COVID-19 world, will we take this until works are finished, only to have the autotalk.com.au opportunity to unlock the performance of infrastructure meet its projected peaks our transport networks, or will we snap back transporttalk.co.nz within a matter of months. to the default of peak-hour saturation and all Could governments proactively work futuretrucking.com.au the lost productivity and lost time that goes with businesses to incentivise working wheeltalk.co.nz with it? from home, trialling new blended working Continued on page 15 NEWSTALK

ROEWE A MARVEL

OVID-19 has stopped the automotive trade from doing China is rapidly growing as a vehicle-producing nation, and it Cmany things – and one is beginning to take the lead on the development of electric of those is the international trips vehicles. EVtalk’s managing editor Richard Edwards got to be the dealers, distributors and the media first journalist to try one of its high-tech offerings on local roads. make around the world to get a taste of new models. For once this has worked well for us. We were stuck down under for the lockdown, but so too was a special looking vehicle, though the brash chrome We would love to tell you how it all works, electric vehicle, sent there for such an grille looks somewhat odd on an EV. The but to function, it needs to be paired with a event. And we got to grab the keys. wheels are 20-inch, while there is a sea Chinese mobile phone and number – which The Marvel X has landed here, it is not of the exterior, welcoming lights - even we do not have. What we understand is it going on sale. This one, left-hand drive, the front badge glows when charging. is highly internet-connected, allowing for Shanghai-registered vehicle was brought There is a small frunk - under the bonnet upgrades, the reservation of carparks and here for a limited time to demonstrate to covered by a plastic lid. restaurant tables. Australasian dealers what Roewe's parent Inside, the brown-on-brown trim is a It also has augmented reality features, company, SAIC Motor, is capable of and little questionable, but the quality is not. for example, overlaying navigation its technological ability. Leather dash trim, suede/Alcantara seats, information on live images from the The dealers - and buyers - are set to chrome, plush carpets - it all feels of a cameras placed around the vehicle. see some of the same technology when high standard. Cover the Roewe badge, The Marvel is also capable of self- sister-brand MG launches the ZS EV SUV and you could probably convince a few parking. Not the parallel parking here later this year. the car is European. It feels spacious and assistance we are used to, but a Tesla- The Marvel X should be seen as more light - helped by a massive glass sunroof. like ability to drive through a carpark than a technological showcase, as it is The front seats are very comfortable, the and park with no one onboard - called a fundamentally great vehicle in its own rear is as well, but the bulky front units AI Pilot. SAIC Motor has already sold right. In China, Roewe pitches at the intrude a little on space. over 700,000 cars with AliOS internet- premium end of the market. connected systems. Pricing comparisons are complicated, but Impressive tech What our restricted access to the system the Marvel X retails for around twice the A near-20-inch screen dominates the allowed us to do was adjust the air price of the ZS EV in its home market. Marvel's interior, occupying most of the vents - which must be done through the The Marvel X is, however, bigger. The raked centre console. The display uses screen rather than manually - and air- closest vehicle in the market to it in size an operating system co-developed with conditioning (a heat pump), control the and format is the Audi Q5 - though it is Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, windows - there are traditional buttons for slightly lower and wider. It is a handsome dubbed AliOS. Continued on page 8

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Continued from page 7 efficiency. Three motors, all wheel drive that too - as well as change settings for Performance is excellent. Hit the the various assistance and convenience accelerator in any of the three drive Power 222kW systems through a mix of guessing what modes - Essentially Sport, Normal and I was up to from the graphics, and live Eco and the Model X jumps away from Google Translate. the line on its way to a 4.8 second Torque 665Nm It all looks slick, and the screen is 0-100km/h sprint. responsive, but the experience was a There is a slight lump in power delivery 0-100Km/h 4.8 Seconds little too restricted for me to accurately around 65km/h, only when doing such judge its full benefit. hard acceleration runs, which I guess is The dash cluster itself is an LCD as well, either the transmission shifting or the Battery 52.5kWh and one of the best I have seen - the third motor kicking in. I oddly liked that graphics are well laid out, and the image slight variation from the linear power Weight 1870kg appears to be of a higher resolution delivery of most fast EVs - call it the than most. It would be nice to get caveman transmission lover in me. mapping on here as well - and I suspect I thought initially that the drivetrain was 250km in the real world. it is capable of it - but other than that it a little noisier than I am used to in a BEV. Currently, the car is relatively hamstrung is top-notch. Do not get me wrong, it is very, very in how it can operate here as well. It has The Marvel X is loaded with driver quiet, but there's the odd buzz and whirr. the Chinese-standard GB/T charging, assistance features as well, including a It was pointed out to me that it could so on one side of the vehicle you get lane departure system, lane change assist, be down to the Roewe's stereo not a type-2 look-a-like port feeding a autonomous emergency braking, adaptive functioning - remember from earlier, no 7.6kW onboard unit, and on the other a cruise and blind-spot monitoring. Chinese phone - and that is likely right. Chademo-look-alike port for DC charging. On motorways, the lane keep and Other vehicle noises were hushed, wind We ran the car using a GB/T to type-2 adaptive cruise was very smooth and and tyre roar, in particular, adding to the adaptor. intelligent, up there with the best Level 2 experience. The MG ZS EV when it arrives won't have autonomy features on offer - and that was You can leave regenerative braking to the same issue - it is fitted with a type-2 despite the car operating effectively on the car to manage, or manually combo port, which I imagine the Marvel the wrong side of the road. adjust it through a dash button through X, or future MG models, would get if they three levels. ever came here officially. Aside from the stellar build quality, the Interestingly, the cars operating system other surprising thing about the Marvel X can interact wirelessly with chargers, was how dynamically sorted it is. which could allow for some smart The steering does not offer a lot of feel features around timing and energy but has a pleasing weight to it, the brakes pricing. Even more advanced is the car’s feel right, cornering is flat with plenty of ability to wirelessly charge. grip - this is a car that feels comfortable and engaging to drive through corners. It does When higher-speed or feel a little heavy, which is odd as in the performance kicks in a scheme of things its 1870kg weight is not secondary 55kW motor out of the ordinary - on par with an Audi Q5, and 100kg lighter than a Tesla Model Y. can also kick in. In a further twist, the rear pair A range problem Three better than two The biggest issue facing the Marvel X, drive through a two-step In China, the Marvel X is available in two should it come to Australasia, is range. transmission for efficiency. models: A standard front-wheel-drive With an NEDC figure of 370km, it sounds version with 137kW of power on offer, like it has enough, but in the real world - Could the future be Chinese? and the Pro - as tested - with 222kW and context of the market - it doesn't. But Could the future of the electric vehicle and massive 665kW coming from three that is not Roewe's fault. market be Chinese? If it is, that is no bad motors going to all four wheels. This car is specified for the Chinese thing. The motors are arranged with a motor market, where it will likely spend all its Gone are the days where vehicles for the front axle and two in the rear, time travelling at a relatively slow pace from the massive tech-powerhouse are though not one per wheel. The main rear through vast cities. Hence it has “only” necessarily cheap and of low quality and unit is 85kW and is for low and medium- a 52kWh battery - that is all it needs performance. The Marvel X, and other speed driving - either on its own or in in its home market. Here, we are used SAIC and MG product I have checked out conjunction with the front motor. to our premium EVs having 80, 90 or so far is pretty darn impressive. When higher-speed or performance kicks 100kWh units. Pop an 80kWh in the It also bodes well for how the MG ZS EV in a secondary 55kW motor can also Roewe, and it would be a completely should work when it finally arrives - my kick in. In a further twist, the rear pair different story. expectations have just risen. drive through a two-step transmission for As it stands, the car is fit more for around

8 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au NEWSTALK ELECTRIC DUE MID-2020 FOR AUSTRALIAN TESTS

ll-electric EC11 commercial and passenger could be Aintroduced to Australia by about the end of June before going into other parts of the Oceania market. That’s the view of distributor EV Automotive (EV-A) Oceania sales general manager Peter Benardos while at EVtalk’s successful inaugural EVs and Beyond Conference on Auckland’s Waiheke island on March 16 and 17, just before COVID-19 pandemic restrictions kicked in. The rear-wheel drive vans have a 72kWh (passenger) and 76.5kWh (cargo) battery pack, produce about 120kW of power and 300Nm of torque, can do 220-250km on a single charge fully laden, and take up to 14 passengers or 1.4 tonnes of cargo. The vans can be recharged in 1.5 hours using a 60kW CCS Type 2 charger, and Benardos says they are also suitable for The EC11 van carrying wheelchairs. The right-hand drive vans are made in China by Skywell and have a top speed of about 120km/h. The EV-A, a subsidiary of the Epoca Group of Companies operating in Australia since 1971, has been working on getting the electric vans for about a year after initially researching electric heavy machinery for construction in 2017. The company also plans to introduce the DFSK Glory E3 four-door SUV with more than 400km range from its 52.56kWh battery. Like the van, it produces Peter Benardos 120kW of power and

300Nm of torque. The DFSK Glory E3 four-door SUV The E3 is due to be launched in Indonesia and was expected to be Pricing will be based on final It’s expected to be around right-hand available in Australia early this year specifications and the changing drive alternatives ranging from about but has been delayed due to pandemic Australian dollar because of the A$65,000. restrictions. pandemic.

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XC60 PLUG-IN BRILLIANT, BUT WHY?

hen we first reviewed the - as it's most performance Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid orientated. Waround two years ago we loved Some would argue that is it, although we did point out the brakes a smart move. It amortises were a little odd feeling, as the brakes on the additional cost of the most plug-in hybrids were at the time. plug-in hardware into the When we went to pick up the updated premium normally paid for the T8 “Polestar Engineered” version of performance model. In this the car, Volvo's local product expert case the Polestar is $98,990 reminded us of the comment, and plus on-road costs – at least suggested we would find the brakes a $30,000 more than the next little different this time around. expensive model, but only For Polestar – Volvo’s performance arm, $7000 more than the less turned electric-vehicle brand – had fitted powerful BMW X3 M40i and among other things a giant set of Akebono about $20,000 more than the six-piston calliper brakes to the vehicle. Mercedes-AMG GLC43. And do they work? Oh yes. On total output the Volvo sits As with the old model, the in between this model and the X3 M and GLC63 – the car has the “Intellisafe latter soaring in excess of City Safety” system, $50,000 more. But, it does feel a little odd which includes pedestrian, trundling around town in a cyclist, vehicle and large sports-focused vehicle, lightly animal detection with acting on the throttle to stay in electric-only mode to make the automatic emergency most of the 10.4kWh battery. braking. Volvo claims 45km of range, expect 35km. But they also highlight the odd move to As does the idea that this make the most efficient XC60 – official car has manually adjustable fuel economy figures list the model as suspension. Gone is the having a combined economy of 2.2 litres automated system where you per 100km although it’s probably higher Continued on page 11

10 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au NEWSTALK

Continued from page 10 a thrum that hints to the pick the suspension firmness through performance five-cylinder a drive mode button - in this car you Volvos of the past. need to go under the bonnet and reach The steering is responsive, through the wheels to choose your grip is brilliant, and the settings. There are around 22 variations XC60 feels surprisingly light from essentially firm to really firm. on its feet through corners. Car nerds will rejoice, many will never The interior has that lovely touch it. Scandanavian design-feel to it. Volvo’s Pilot system is Clean surfaces, brilliant up there with the best seats and an excellent fit semi-autonomous vehicle and finish. The main instrument systems on the market, cluster is digital, while the and one of the easiest to infotainment system retains the large, portrait-orientated activate – hit the cruise LCD screen. The only oddity control button then toggle in the Polestar - and we like them - are the yellow across to your preferred seatbelts. level of assistance. New XC60s bound for Australia are now built in But the XC60 does have the power China, and early inspection credentials to back up the sports would indicate that is suspension. nothing to worry about. It The electric drivetrain, which powers felt and looked as good as best semi-autonomous vehicle systems the rear axles, produces just 64kW the European version it replaced, with the on the market, and one of the easiest to and 240Nm, so only expect gentle exception of a rattle in the sunroof shade activate – hit the cruise control button acceleration in the EV mode. that Volvo is working on. then toggle across to your preferred level The turbocharged and supercharged As with the old model, the car has the of assistance. four-cylinder petrol adds another 235kW “Intellisafe City Safety” system, which For some, the weird combination of and 400Nm, for an aggregated total of includes pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and green and performance hardware 311kW. In Polestar engineered mode it large animal detection with automatic may be a little confusing in the new feels seriously quick and responsive, emergency braking. Polestar Engineered XC60 - but it does and for those that can remember, has Volvo’s Pilot system is up there with the come together very well.

EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au | 11 NEWSTALK

HYUNDAI IONIQ PHEV DELIVERS OPTIONS he 2020 model Hyundai Ioniq plug-in It has an overall length of hybrid offers many stand-out features 4470mm,1820mm width, 1450mm Tand is sure to be a good stepping high, 341-litre boot capacity, 2700mm stone for getting more people into more and 16-inch alloy wheels. pure EVs further down the track. Gauges are simple and easily read – With a starting price of A$41,990 for the the car will tick off the kilometres for PHEV Elite and A$46,490 for the PHEV electric, gas and the total so the driver Premium (each up about $1000 for the can see how much distance is left to run extras), it comes with 1.6 litre, 16-valve on either fuel. DOH C 4-cylinder and The dash display is simple and a central 6-speed dual clutch transmission. screen display provides further easy-to- It offers 77kW/5700 rpm of maximum read information. Paddles and buttons power and 147Nm/4000 rpm of maximum for most of the necessary functions are torque and claims a combined fuel housed in and around the steering wheel. economy of 1.1 litres per 100km. The Elite version features leather seats, It has an electric-only claimed driving and leather door trim, centre console, range of 63km with a 8.9kWh lithium- steering wheel and gearshift trim. ion battery powering a 44.5kW/170Nm Safety features are abundant with ABS . braking with electronic brakeforce For everyday trips around town, this distribution, brake assist system, should be sufficient for most people to vehicle stability management, electronic stay in pure EV mode. stability control, traction control system, The benefits of the PHEV is that it eases driver and front passenger front airbags, range anxiety which might be a barrier for side airbags, dual (front to rear) roof first-time EV buyers. This enables stress- curtain airbags and driver knee airbag. free longer road trips but also might Plus, there’s forward collision-avoidance This technology also allows owners of illustrate a pure EV is all that’s needed for assist, smart cruise control, tyre pressure the plug-in or electric model to remotely many people. monitoring system, blind-spot collision check the status of their battery so they On top of that, it’s a driver’s car – the warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, know when they need to recharge the Ioniq PHEV is not only comfortable and lane keeping assist and driver attention vehicle and can be remotely controlled spacious but handles well, and everything warning all available on the Elite version. and scheduled via the app. is simple and within easy reach. The Ioniq line features Hyundai’s Blue Blue Link is also updated with cloud- Passengers will find it comfortable too. Link connected car system, which uses based navigation, which offers free up- Typical of EVs, acceleration is smooth and embedded telematics to allow drivers to-the-minute traffic information, point responsive. The ride is quiet with little to remotely start the vehicle and control of interest searches (POI), dealer locator road noise or vibrations and light steering. air-conditioning using the MyHyundai as well as the ability to find nearby The PHEV is a four-door hatchback which smartphone app. charging stations. can seat five and we thought the low- The app also allows users to remote Overall, it’s a great car to drive, simple slung Ioniq looked very stylish and more lock or unlock their doors, and find their and straight forward and a perfect cost like a modern car than some other EVs vehicle in a crowded parking lot with Car saver for around town and a good entry which still suffer some awkward designs. Finder and remote horn and lights. point into EVs.

12 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au STATSTALK

HYBRID SUVS RISE WHILE COVID-19 HITS MOST NEW VEHICLE SALES pril new vehicle sales in Australia bore the brunt of Athe COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting an economic downturn across the country - but EV and hy- brid sales fared better than most. Nearly all sales were well into negative territory apart from the private passenger electric/ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and SUV hybrid categories, according to the latest VFACTS sales figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). The SUV hybrid sale stats were a standout in an otherwise bleak report. These jumped more than 999% in both monthly and year-to-date (YTD) comparisons in the private SUV field – 65 in April 2019 to 974 in April 2020 and 278 to 4699 in YTD. And it is a similar story for the non- private SUV hybrid sector, rising from 70 in April 2019 to 598 in Volvo C Hybrids and EVs generally performed better than other vehicle types in the April 2020 stats. April 2020 (up 754.3%) and 243 to 3096 YTD (up more than 999%). NEW VEHICLE SALES BY BUYER TYPE AND FUEL TYPE APRIL 2020 Hybrid sales dropped off in the monthly passenger categories, but Month YTD Variance +/- Vol. & % nowhere near as much as petrol Total Market 2020 2019 2020 2019 MTH YTD MTH YTD and diesel new vehicle sales. ELECTRIC In April comparisons for the private passenger hybrid segment, Passenger Private 29 22 153 123 7 30 31.8% 24.4% Passenger for instance, April 2020 sales at 13 18 194 84 -5 110 -27.8% 131.0% 472 were 17.2% down on April Non-Private 2019’s 569, but up 47.8% in YTD SUV Private 58 74 294 201 -16 93 -21.6% 46.3% figures (3319 from 2246). SUV Non-Private 31 67 227 492 -36 -265 -53.7% -53.9% Light Commercial Electric/PHEVs in the same 0 0 10 5 0 5 - 100.0% category were 31.8% up on monthly Non-Private comparisons (29 in April 2020 as Sub Total 131 181 878 905 -50 -27 -27.6% -3.0% against 22 in April 2019) and 24.4% HYBRID up in YTD (153 in 2020 from 123 in Passenger Private 471 569 3,319 2,246 -98 1,073 -17.2% 47.8% 2019). Passenger Non- 766 1,007 4,673 3,753 -241 920 -23.9% 24.5% In the passenger non-private sector, Private electric/PHEVs were down 27.8% SUV Private 974 65 4,699 278 909 4,421 >999% >999% in April comparisons (13 in 2020 SUV Non-Private 598 70 3,096 243 528 2,853 754.3% >999% from 18 in 2019), but up 131% in YTD comparisons (194 from 84). Sub Total 2,809 1,711 15,787 6,520 1,098 9,267 64.2% 142.1% TOTAL 2,940 1,892 16,665 7,425 1,048 9,240 55.4% 124.4% Continued on page 14

EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au | 13 STATSTALK

Continued from page 13 In the popular SUV segment, NEW VEHICLE SALES BY BUYER TYPE AND FUEL TYPE MAY 2020 electric/PHEVs didn’t fare as well as Month YTD Variance +/- Vol. & % their hybrid counterparts. Total Market 2020 2019 2020 2019 MTH YTD MTH YTD They recorded a fall of 21.6% (from 74 to 58) in April comparisons for ELECTRIC the private market and a steeper Passenger Private 34 23 212 146 11 66 47.8% 45.2% 53.7% drop (67 to 31) in the non- Passenger 48 29 244 113 19 131 65.5% 115.9% private sector. Non-Private In YTD comparisons, the electric/ SUV Private 75 59 381 260 16 121 27.1% 46.5% PHEV market held up the private SUV Non-Private 61 61 292 553 0 -261 0.0% -47.2% SUV category, going from 201 in Light Commercial 3 0 13 5 3 8 - 160.0% 2019 to 294 in 2020 (up 46.3%) but Non-Private dropped in the non-private SUV Sub Total 221 172 1,142 1,077 49 65 28.5% 6.0% sector by 53.9% (492 to 227). HYBRID No sales for the electric/PHEV Passenger Private 625 713 3,899 2,959 -88 940 -12.3% 31.8% market were recorded in the non- Passenger Non- private light commercial sector for 932 1,278 5,600 5,031 -346 569 -27.1% 11.3% Private both Aprils, although YTD figures SUV Private 1,002 832 5,689 1,110 170 4,579 20.4% 412.5% show 10 were sold so far this year compared with five in 2019. SUV Non-Private 712 673 3,804 916 39 2,888 5.8% 315.3% FCAI chief executive Tony Weber Sub Total 3,271 3,496 18,992 10,016 -225 8,976 -6.4% 89.6% says new vehicle sales (38,926 TOTAL 3,492 3,668 20,134 11,093 1,048 9,240 55.4% 124.4% in April) fell 48.5% on April last year (75,550 sales - the largest single decrease of any month EVS AND HYBRIDS REMAIN POPULAR since VFACTS figures were first lectrics, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and Ok, so hybrids dropped a little on May recorded in 1991. standard hybrids are continuing comparisons in the same category – down to grow their share of the new car 12.3% from 713 to 625 - but the YTD sales The SUV hybrid sale E market. figure is up 31.8% (2959 to 3899). stats were a standout That’s been the case most of this year, but It’s a similar situation in the non-private the EV/hybrid trend still gets no mention passenger vehicle sales sector where electrics/ in an otherwise from the Federal Chamber of Automotive PHEVs soar 65.5% in the May comparisons (29 bleak report. Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber. to 48) and 115.9% YTD (113 to 244). He remains concerned about the 26th Whereas hybrids drop 27.1% (1278 in May 2019 With about a third (31%) of consecutive month of declining overall to 932 in May 2020) and YTD sales are slightly Australians suffering an income vehicle sales, getting steeper since April up at 11.3% (5031 in 2019 to 5600 in 2020). drop due to the pandemic and when COVID-19 restrictions began to be felt. However, hybrids come into their own in the 72% of Australian businesses Across the nation, 59,894 vehicles were SUV sector, recording huge YTD increases reporting reduced cash flow as sold during May 2020, representing a especially. likely to adversely impact their 35.3% reduction in sales when compared to In the private SUV sales segment, hybrids business during the next two the May 2019 figure of 92,561 vehicles. rise 20.4% in May comparisons (832 to 1002) months, Weber doesn’t see light at The May total sales figures also represent and 412.5% YTD (1110 to 5689). the end of the vehicle sales tunnel the largest drop in May sales since VFACTS It’s the same in the non-private SUV market for some time. statistics began recording in 1991, the FCAI where hybrids recorded a modest 5.8% rise in And he wants to see more done explains. May comparisons (673 to 712) and a healthy to stimulate Australia’s automotive That increased optimism is evident in the 315.3% increase in YTD, from 916 to 3804. industry. rising EV/PHEV and hybrid sales across Compare hybrids with electrics/PHEVs which Meanwhile, a “sustainable nearly all categories but which doesn’t rate don’t do so well in the SUV market. recovery” from the COVID-19 any mention in the FCAI’s press release Electrics/PHEVs went up 27.1% in the private pandemic is sought by The Investor issued on June 3. SUV sector in May comparisons – 59 to 75 – Agenda founding partners urging For example, percentage increases for and 46.5% (260 to 381) in YTD comparisons. global governments like Australia’s electric/PHEVs and hybrids range from about However, these remained the same at 61 for to accelerate towards a net zero 11% to 65% in monthly comparisons and even May 2019 and May 2020 in the non-private emissions world. 300%-400% in year-to-date (YTD) variations. SUV market, and dropped 47.2% in the YTD Just look at the various sectors. figures, from 553 to 292. Keep up with In the private passenger vehicle market, for In the non-private light commercial category, AU Electric Vehicle instance, electric/PHEVs climb 47.8% with 34 just three electric/PHEV sales were recorded industry news sold in May 2020 compared with 23 in May for May 2020 against none in May 2019 – 2019, and the YTD increase is 45.2% (146 to probably due to a lack of suitable models back evtalk.com.au 212) – despite the pandemic. then – and increased YTD from five to 13.

14 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au NEWSTALK

Continued from page 6 The flipside models that allow agencies to optimise Will people want to use public transport INVESTOR infrastructure already in place? as we ease out of COVID-19 restrictions? Travel demand management often refers Will people want to squeeze on to busy AGENDA TAKES to four pillars of behaviour change; re- trains and buses if they are concerned time, re-route, re-mode and reduce. about potential infection? Could we see If governments can incentivise demand for private vehicles and the AIM AT CLIMATE businesses to shift or stagger working acceleration of autonomous vehicle (AV) hours, then re-timing or reduction development increase, because these CHANGE of trips will make public and private options offer a more private and therefore nvestors say money is available transport more effective. “safer” space? to help governments stimulate As well as working with businesses As road and rail systems in their economies through green to inspire change, we’ll need a better I measures such as funding EV charging understanding of user needs, better data, major cities have become infrastructure. and better communication: the more significantly de-stressed, The Investor Agenda, which represents information we can provide people, the 1200 international investment companies better equipped they will be to make in some areas people are managing at least US$37 trillion in assets, alternative transport choices, like electric already marvelling at air sent a letter to New Zealand, Australia rail. and other G20 governments asking for Management strategies could include quality improvements. COVID-19 recovery funding to heed the improving communication. climate crisis. Project owners of Sydney’s Metro Tunnel Without proactively capturing this The collaborative initiative aims to use of messaging systems let travellers opportunity for behaviour change, we are accelerate and scale up investor know their trip is delayed or more at risk of only increasing road congestion actions critical to tackling climate crowded due to disruption. and cementing this as the new normal. change and achieving the goals of the Another example could be a proactive Indeed, data out of China already shows Paris Agreement, with app service that advises commuters if in some areas toll road usage is up by the aim of keeping the upcoming train is full, and suggests about 20% compared to before COVID-19. average global other options – a nearby, less full The longer we maintain rules on self- temperature bus route, or e-bike hire with a coffee isolation and social distancing, the more rise to no more voucher to incentivise usage. the fear of proximity to strangers will than 1.5 degrees Indeed, these measures both support deepen and this will hit public transport. Celsius. necessary social distancing in any What are the incentives we could ask The letter urges transition out of COVID-19 and better people to think about now? What could governments to avoid Emma Herd utilise whole transport networks going we ask people to think about in terms prioritising "risky, short- forward. of their mobility decisions? What can term emissions-intensive Right now, there is an opportunity to take governments do to help the public make projects”, saying investors are increasingly what we know and what we can influence proactive decisions around public and seeking low-emissions investment about changing mobility habits and build active transport? opportunities and tightening controls into strategic planning, transport policy, The question of what we do post against emission-intensive activities. operations and new and upgraded COVID-19 is a challenge that should “Investors strongly support new transport infrastructure. not fall on the shoulders of government measures to drive a sustainable In doing so, we have the chance to make alone; engineers, designers, architects, recovery,” Investor Group on Climate more efficient use of our infrastructure town planners, financiers and land Change chief executive Emma Herd of spend, while improving quality of life. developers will have to step into the post Australia says. Some examples of how transport pandemic dynamic, as will employers and She says the Australian Government infrastructure will be adapted in response employees. should be looking to integrate recovery to the pandemic includes the New Zealand It will be up to us all to ensure that plans with its technology investment government’s plan to widen footpaths and whatever good comes of this epidemic roadmap, long-term emissions reduction pop-up cycle and e-bike lanes. is not only captured in new transport strategy, grid modernisation planning The addition of temporary bike lanes in infrastructure, but in the way we use it. and bushfire recovery to build greater New York, Vancouver and Berlin, and And that will start with how we live and resilience and reduce climate risk. other cities’ plans to improve cycling how we work. Herd is a member of the Queensland and walking infrastructure to help This article was first published in Climate Change Advisory Council, the people more easily maintain social Aurecon’s Just Imagine blog which steering committee of the Australian distance. provides a glimpse into the future, Sustainable Finance Initiative and the These measures both support a transition exploring ideas that are probable, New Zealand Sustainable Finance out of current COVID-19 restrictions, possible and for the imagination. Forum. but also provide a chance to influence Subscribe for the latest blog posts. meaningful and sustained mode shift as a legacy outcome.

EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au | 15 ACROSS THE DITCH

RENAULT OPENS ONLINE SHOWROOM enault New Zealand has launched “Sometimes pictures just don’t a new online Virtual Showroom justice, so by using video call Rwhere customers can be guided technology our specialists are around Renault models – including EVs - able to show the customer the using video call technology. model in detail, and answer any As potential customers cannot physically questions then and there, just like visit a dealership in COVID-19 alert level being shown around a new car in a three, this online service means they can physical showroom,” Waller says. still browse and receive advice on models Each car’s features can be fully when it suits them – even getting advice explained. Renault opens online showroom about how to charge a Renault Zoe EV, Renault also has a range of award- The Renault Virtual Showroom is open the company says. winning commercial vans on display. Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. “The Renault Virtual Showroom enables Specialists will have a range of real-life Customers can select the model they potential customers to get up close and props on hand, such as golf clubs, a car are interested in, pick a date and book a personal with our seat, a pram, and general luggage to 30-minute time slot that suits them. vehicles whilst they are stuck at home,” show how much can fit. An email confirmation with the virtual Renault New Zealand general manager Following the comprehensive tour, appointment link is sent for customers to Sam Waller says. customers can book a contactless test join the call at their selected time. When visiting the Renault website, drive or receive a brochure to continue The Virtual Showroom has been adapted customers can book an appointment to researching their new vehicle. with stringent measures and processes view a particular model in a live virtual The Virtual Showroom offers all that a beyond the official requirements of tour with the help of a Renault specialist “bricks and mortar” showroom does, staying safe with regards to hygiene, who is able to introduce a static vehicle including the ability for a Renault finance personal protection and social distancing, and hold a detailed walkaround of their team member to follow up and discuss Renault NZ says. chosen vehicle. trade-ins, finance and leasing options. ELECTRIC FERRY SERVICE ‘SHOVEL READY’ n electric ferry service to transport is ferries and wharves, and Wellington Airport and Miramar we can start construction within six APeninsula is “shovel ready”. months,” East By West managing That’s according to East By West Ferries, director Jeremy Ward says. which operates the Wellington to Days The service will have a ferry departing Bay/Eastbourne ferry route. every 15 minutes during peak hours It has let the Government know that and will run from Queen’s Wharf in the its plans for a new ferry service from heart of Wellington to Miramar Wharf, How the electric Eastbourne Ferry will look, now in the final stages of construction in Wellington Wellington CBD to Wellington Airport and at the end of the airport runway. A Miramar Peninsula are “shovel ready”. dedicated electric shuttle bus service The 100-year-old Miramar Wharf has been The project will use all-electric ferries will transfer passengers along Cobham closed to the public since 2015 and needs to be built in Wellington and will include Drive to the airport. refurbishment before it can be reopened. refurbishment of Miramar Wharf. “We can guarantee a city to airport The project costs will include working with The ferry operator is in the final stages of door journey of under 20 minutes”, CentrePort to renew the wharf. completing the Southern Hemisphere’s Ward says. “At under $25 million for all the first fully electric ferry for the Days Bay “Miramar Peninsula and Seatoun infrastructure needed, it’s a bargain route, and has been developing the new residents will have a fast, reliable compared with the costs of new roading airport/Miramar ferry project for more commuting option to the city, with easy projects, and its much, much greener,” than two years. access to Miramar Wharf by cycling, Ward says. “The infrastructure for marine public walking and local public bus services.”

16 | EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au ACROSS THE DITCH

CAR RENTALS MOVE TO DELIVERIES any vehicle rental firms such and restaurants get back in business – as Snap Rentals and Europcar offering its electric BMW i3s as well. MMobility Group plan to do It launched the "Together" programme deliveries for cafes, restaurants and some in late March to support the mobility of other food outlets during the COVID-19 essential services in light of the COVID-19 alert level three restrictions. crisis, providing healthcare personnel and Europcar has BMW i3s among its rentals Others such as zero-emission car other essential services with access to sharing scheme Zilch say they have discounted short, medium and long-term been approved to operate under level rental solutions for their staff. three as a fully contactless service. As part of this, the group’s car rental Zilch EVs are available to drive from all brand in New Zealand, Europcar, will work Auckland and Christchurch locations, the in partnership with the hospitality and company saying it has tightened cleaning food retailer industries to offer a rental protocol, undertaking regular, thorough service of vehicles with drivers, to help Zilch (formerly Yoogo Share) is totally EV cleaning of all Zilch cars. Cleaning kits meet the increased demand for delivery remain inside cars for use during trips. services during level three restrictions. this solution to those small business It also has a YouTube video suggesting The car rental bundles include the owners who have been doing it tough EVs can help cities reduce emissions vehicle, fuel and a driver for four hours, the last month or so”, Europcar sales and other pollution. “While we’ve stayed eight hours or daily. manager Melissa Carter says. at home our cities have been peaceful. A tailored solution can be arranged, “We really hope it helps get them back Fewer gas guzzlers on the road have with weekly and monthly packages also on their feet, especially for those who meant less air pollution and less noise available with or without a driver and fuel. have never offered a food delivery pollution. Let’s keep it that way.” “The initiative will support small business service in the past.” Snap Rentals is setting up Snap owners in launching a delivery service Furthermore, at selected locations Delivery, which includes using some while avoiding the huge commissions customers can rent the electric BMW i3 to of its Tesla Model S EVs – its story payable to well-known food delivery save on fuel costs. featuring in the coming May edition of operators and at the same time, using the Any vehicle, driven under this scheme EVtalk New Zealand magazine. existing Europcar workforce to keep as will be subject to rigorous cleaning and Europcar Mobility Group provides car many employees in work as possible.” disinfecting measures after each rental, and driver bundle services to help cafes “We’re really pleased to be able to offer as well as “zero contact” policy with Europcar employees in branches. EV AERIAL RACING READY FOR TAKE-OFF

lying EV racing looks set to get off in the same way the ABB FIA Formula E that will liberate our cities and answer the the ground with manned testing racing is doing for EV transport. long-term mobility challenges,” Pearson Flikely to start in South Australia this An unmanned prototype Airspeeder was says. year and racing later in 2020. demonstrated at last year’s Goodwood “This seed investment represents a This follows the raising of seven-figure Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. significant leap forward in the next seed funding from the likes of Saltwater Initially, manned testing was planned great mobility revolution.” Capital and Jelix Ventures, announced this year in the Mojave Desert in the US, Jelix Ventures co-founder Andrea by Adelaide-based performance electric but the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions Gardiner says there is a clear global flying car company Alauda and its racing stopped that, with tests now scheduled market for Airspeeder and Alauda, while series Airspeeder. for the South Australian desert. Saltwater Ventures founder Len Findlay Other investors include Equals Group and Alauda founder Matt Pearson reckons says aerial EV racing will increase the DHL. the electrical vertical take-off and landing technology’s awareness. Airspeeder is the first motorsports series (eVTOL) sector could potentially be worth Partnerships for powertrain development for electric flying cars and Alauda hopes it nearly A$2.34 trillion within 20 years. and sensory technology are expected to will set the pace for aerial e-mobility, much “Electric flying cars are a coming reality be announced by Alauda shortly.

EVTALK MAY 2020 | www.evtalk.com.au | 17 Coolangatta

Canberra

Airport

QUEANBEYAN

Helensvale

Canberra

BRISBANE

Yarrabilba

Nundah

Tuggeranong

GOLD COAST

University of QLD Brisbane

Brisbane - Fortitude Valley

Springfield

NORTH CANBERRA NORTH

CANBERRA

Kelvin Grove

Gold Coast

Maryborough Cooroy

Noosa

Byron Bay Byron

Hamilton

Ewingsdale

Childers

Knockrow

Coffs Harbour

Maroochydore

Miriam Vale

Port Macquarie

Hunter Valley Gardens Hunter Valley

Rockhampton

Heatherbrae

Marlborough

Carmila

Mackay Burnett Heads

Sydney Lower Nth Shore

Gatton

Olympic Park

Bowen

Wollongong

Coochin Creek

Goulburn

Berry

Toowoomba

Sth Townsville

Townsville

Narooma

Glen Innes

Wallsend

Jindabyne

Tamworth

Cooma

Tully

Cairns

Bathurst

Hollydene

Mittagong

Launceston Launceston

Wodonga

Sydney

Young

Ovens

Dubbo

NSW

Clayton

Coburg Richmond

Gundagai

Hawthorn

QLD

Notting Hill

TAS

Narrandera

Euroa

Barnawartha

Bendigo

VIC

Ballarat Ballarat

Keith

Clovelly Park

Adelaide

Horsham

Clare

Warrnambool

SA

NT

WA

Donnybrook

Nannup

Mandurah

Bridgetown

City of Swan

Crawley

Cockburn

Eaton Eaton

Augusta

Harvey

RAC WA

Bunbury

Busselton

Jurien Bay

Dunsborough

Margaret River

EV Charging Infrastructure

Fast Charger Fast Locations

Tesla Supercharger Locations