EV

Australia is at risk of over-mining key transition minerals by relying on “overblown” demand assumptions, according to a new report which warns policy steps to encourage responsible and sustainable use of critical minerals, such as improved battery recycling, are being ignored.

Battery chemicals giant Albemarle will invest up to $2.25 billion (USD 1.5 billion) as part of plans to double its lithium hydroxide output in Australia to a volume that it estimates could power almost 2.5 million electric vehicles a year.

Australian researchers have developed a novel adaptive decentralised control strategy for electric vehicle (EV) integration, incorporating both microgrid and EV-side conditions into the primary frequency control. They have proposed new indices to evaluate the charge and discharge capabilities of EV batteries, as well as the satisfaction levels of EV owners.

Australians will be able to charge their electric vehicles in more rural and regional locations with the federal government announcing it will partner with motoring group NRMA to build a ‘backbone’ nation-wide network of fast-charging sites on major highways across the country by 2025.

Chinese battery industry heavyweight CATL has unveiled a novel condensed matter battery technology with an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. The company said it can achieve mass production within this year.

The federal government has followed the release of its first electric vehicle strategy with a flurry of funding commitments designed to drive an increase in the number of zero-emission cars on Australian roads and in turn decarbonise the nation’s transport system.

The Albanese government’s National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy includes just five new initiatives, four of which are still in the “development” or “preparation” stages. While there is a general sentiment the 56-page strategy is ‘a step in the right direction,’ numerous stakeholders have already pointed to its glaring omissions. 

Australian company Pure Hydrogen will showcase its ‘Taurus’ hydrogen fuel cell prime mover at the Brisbane Truck Show in May. The demonstration will be immediately followed by a trial at PepsiCo Australia, which will use the truck at one of its Brisbane manufacturing sites.

Australian mining and processing company IGO and billionaire Andrew Forrest’s Wyloo Metals will progress plans to build the nation’s first integrated battery material facility in Western Australia after the state government approved the allocation of land for the up to $1 billion project.

French power electronics specialist Schneider Electric has announced the Australian launch of a new electric vehicle charger that incorporates new features aimed at making at-home charging easier to install and more cost-effective to use.