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When you think of an electric vehicle, chances are you’ll picture a car. But there’s a quiet revolution going on in transport. It turns out that electrification can be a great option for almost all transport options, including electric bikes, motorbikes, buses and freight trains. In an internal combustion engine, there will no longer be any need to burn petrol or diesel.
This is important because electric transport is vital to our efforts to curb climate change. If all cars on the road became powered by renewable electricity, we’d cut almost one-fifth of our emissions. We’d also be much better placed to weather spikes in oil prices linked to war, and enjoy cleaner air and quieter cities.
It’s promising news that electric vehicles are shaping up as an election issue at last, with Labor promising a National EV charging networkat its campaign launch and the Greens Promising rebatesEV purchases can be up to $15,000; however, the Liberal Party last January reversed its previous scepticism. smaller charging network policy.
But this is only the beginning of what’s required. Electric cars are the current focus. To encourage electrification, we will need new policy settings. That means electric mobility should be on the radars for our political parties.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Why electric and why now?
Electric vehicles have been around since more than 120 years. They accounted for a third on US roads in 1900. They were sought out because they were quiet and clean. However, their first dawn was cut short by the high cost of batteries and the weight of the batteries. This left internal combustion engines to dominate the road.
What has changed? Two things have changed: solar power has become the most affordable form of energy in human history, while lighter lithium-ion batteries are now much more affordable. These innovations have allowed electric vehicle manufacturers become more competitive. The battery of an electric vehicle is powered by cheap solar power. This allows for lower running costs than fossil fuel engines. Also, the simpler engines mean lower maintenance costs.
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
We’re also seeing major innovations brought across from electric public transport. There have been significant advancements in smart technology over the past 20 years in trams and trains, such as active suspension and regenerative brakes. These innovations have been enthusiastically adopted by electric vehicle manufacturers. All electric cars now have both regenerative braking which dramatically increases energy efficiency and smart sensors to assist steering. This makes the cars safer, and the ride more enjoyable.
We’re also seeing welcome cross-pollination in the form of trackless trams, which are upgraded buses that boast rail-like mobility. This is possible because of technologies InventedHigh-speed rail.
In short, there’s no reason why solar and battery technology has to be limited to cars. All the world’s land-based internal combustion engine vehicles can now be replaced by electric equivalents.
Wabtec
Electric mobility is on the horizon
You’ll already have seen signs of the potential of electric mobility. E-scooters are becoming more popular in major cities. They allow people to travel quickly and cheaply, and they can be used for short trips. E-bikes have become a popular choice for commuters and families. Over a second vehicle. This is just the beginning.
Electric micromobility (scooters/skateboards/bikes) is growing at an average of 17% per annum. Expected to quadrupleCurrent sales of US$50 Billion by 2030
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Revolutionary changes in transportation, from electric vehicles to ride sharing, could slow global warming – if they’re done right, IPCC says
Even without any government assistance, Australians are moving quickly to electric vehicles of all kinds. However, for Australia to fully embrace electric transport, it is necessary to have the right policy policies. You can have cars, scooters and motorbikes as well as trackless trams, buses and trucks, freight trains, and farm vehicles all part of the transition towards the best and cheapest mobility available.
No party has yet to devise a plan for the huge upheaval electrification would bring, judging by the policies available. Labor’s emission reductions policy of a 43% cut by 2030 gives electric cars only a tiny role, cutting emissions by less than 1%, or four million tonnes out of a total of 448 million tonnes. There’s no mention of other electric modes of transport. Even the Greens aren’t serious about EV policy analysis. The Liberals don’t even mention it.
Fendt
We need a broad, comprehensive policy for electric vehicles
Given we’re still at the starting line, what’s the best first step? Perhaps the easiest step would be to allow Infrastructure Australia to work alongside the states on developing strategic directions for each type of electric transport mode. As part of its shift towards a zero carbon future, the ACT already has a plan for its bus network.
Here’s what good EV policies would consider:
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Electric micromobility: How can you recharge and manage the explosion in electric scooters, bikes, and skateboards? And how to make sure they work with the right infrastructure. Public sharing systems
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Electric public transit: How to electrify all buses, passengers trains, and mid-tier transit (lightrail, rapid transit buses, and trackless trams) and how to link urban development net zero and charging facilities
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How to make electric trucks, freight trains, and farm vehicles, and how to set up recharge highways and hubs at train stations, industrial precincts, and standalone farm systems.
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As the world pushes ahead on electric vehicle policy and the Morrison government’s strategy leaves Australia idling at the garage,
To make it possible to move quickly from diesel and petrol, each mode will need the same regulations, subsidies, and targets as electric cars. If we focus only on electric cars, we could end up with cities still full of cars, even if they don’t pollute. Our cities will be more sustainable if we focus on all transport modes. More equitable, sustainable, and safe.
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