EV

SolarEdge’s new bidirectional DC-coupled electric-vehicle (EV) charger enables vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid applications and can seamlessly integrate with its home energy systems. It is scheduled for release in the second half of 2024.

Australian battery material start-up Sicona Battery Technologies will accelerate commercial development plans both here and in the United States after securing financial support from a group of international investing heavyweights for its silicon-composite anode technology designed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

As the hunt for more efficient batteries continues, Queensland energy tech company AnteoTech has sharpened its focus on the development of its silicon anode binder technology and pure silicon anode design that it claims can deliver up to a 35% improvement in energy capacity compared to current high energy battery cells.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expanding at a fast pace in several of the world’s largest markets. This is being driven by governments and automakers who are promoting electricity powered vehicles as a key technology to curb fossil fuel use, fight climate change and air pollution, but rapid EV uptake is also creating challenges for the grid.

Brisbane-based battery materials and technology company Novonix has sealed a $45 million (USD 30 million) deal with South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution that is complemented by an agreement between the two parties to jointly work toward developing high-performance, synthetic graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Australia’s largest rail freight operator Aurizon has contracted Progress Rail to convert one of its diesel locomotives to full battery electric operation, paving the way for the greening of its freight-haul rail fleet.

Solar has been described as the “star performer” by the International Energy Agency which has forecast that global investment in clean energy is on course to rise to $2.61 trillion (USD 1.7 trillion) in 2023, with spending on solar set to eclipse outlays on oil for the first time.

Queensland clean tech company Graphene Manufacturing Group has signed a deal with global mining giant Rio Tinto with the goal of accelerating the development and application of its graphene aluminium-ion battery technology in the mining and minerals industry.

Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council has raised the alarm about Sydney electricity network, Ausgrid’s, upcoming tariff structure for high-power, public electric vehicle (EV) charging sites, saying under the proposal prices could balloon to $70,000 (USD 46,600) per annum.

The Australian government has been urged to “look to the future” when establishing the parameters for a $1 billion (USD 670 million) funding package that will offer low-cost finance for people wanting to upgrade their home’s energy efficiency with products such as solar panels and high-performing electric appliances.