EV

The Australian Capital Territory is set to become the first Australian state or territory to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles with the government announcing plans to put the brakes on the sale of new petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles from 2035.

Researchers from the Australian National University have declared a major roadblock to the electrification of the nation’s transport sector has been removed with a new study showing electric vehicles can handle the long distances required to travel to essential services in Australia’s remote and regional areas.

As Australia seeks to move beyond its global quarry status, the country’s first Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant launched on Monday in Western Australia’s Curtin University.

India’s AmpereHour Energy has released MoviGEN, a new lithium-ion-based, mobile energy storage system. It is scalable and can provide clean energy for applications such as on-demand EV charging, remote construction sites, and large-scale outdoor events.

Porsche-backed HIF Global has lodged plans with Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority to build a renewables-powered green hydrogen facility in the state’s north-west that would be used to produce a “highly competitive” e-fuel, or electricity-based fuel, that can be directly substituted for fossil fuels in conventional car engines.

Australia’s largest EV charging network, Chargefox, has been fully acquired by Australia’s motoring clubs via their company Australian Motoring Services.

Global efforts to build energy and transport systems based on lower-emission sources are expected to drive Australia’s mining and energy export revenues to record highs of more than $400 billion for a second consecutive year.

India’s Sanvaru is expanding its lithium battery production capacity to 400 MWh per year by setting up a new factory in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Its devices are used for stationary and EV storage.

Australian miner Liontown Resources has declared the way is now clear for construction to commence on its $545 million Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia after inking an offtake agreement and $300 million financing facility with global car manufacturing giant Ford Motor Company.

ASX-listed company Vulcan Energy announced a $76 million equity investment from one of the globe’s top five automakers, Stellantis, which owns brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Chrysler and Opel. The deal, Vulcan managing director Francis Wedin told pv magazine Australia is one of number in the works as the European market clambers to secure not just lithium, but sustainably produced lithium, from the Aussie company. Wedin explains precisely how the company’s novel lithium extraction method works and why it finally affords properly green credentials a vital battery resource.