$5.2m EV research facility coming to Melbourne
RMIT University to lead the state in massive new electric vehicle tech and zero-emissions studyMelbourne’s RMIT University will be the site of a new electric vehicle research facility designed to explore possible developments in EV batteries, charging and vehicle-to-grid functionality as the uptake of electrified vehicles in Australia continues to increase.
The first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the facility will be backed by $5.2 million in funding and serve as the epicentre of the ‘Supporting the Electrification of Victoria’s Future Fleet’ project, which looks to evolve and progress Victoria’s transition to electrification and carbon neutrality.
“We’ll be developing cutting-edge battery technology and simulating the impacts of wide-scale electric vehicle adoption on electricity grid loading, prices and the broader system,” said RMIT deputy vice-chancellor research and innovation and vice-president, Professor Calum Drummond.
“As well as applied technology development, a full-scale applied research project will inform policy towards Victoria’s net zero emission targets in the transport sector, proactively addressing both likely and unforeseen challenges as electric vehicles are adopted at accelerated rates.”
Several key players in the Victorian research and energy industries will collaborate with RMIT, including Monash and La Trobe universities, Siemens, the City of Melbourne, Centre for New Energy Technologies and CitiPower/Powercor.
According to an RMIT spokesperson, the primary goal of the project is to ensure a smooth transition to sustainable transport in Victoria and supporting key targets, including the development of a zero-emission public bus fleet by 2025 and for 50 per cent of all new-car purchases to be zero-emission vehicles.
“This includes an upcoming study by RMIT and industry partners into the cost, benefits and impact of zero-emission buses on the electricity grid, based on the government’s three-year electric bus trial,” the spokesperson said.
The funds for the project are being fronted by the Victorian state government’s ‘Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund’ and was committed by Member of the Victorian Legislative Council Gayle Tierny.
“This is an important project for the future of clean, green transport in Victoria but also for our plan to meet net zero emissions by 2050 through innovative research and the development of new technology,” she said.
Related: Global EV vehicle-to-grid trial launches in Oz
Related: Victoria joins other states with EV tax plan
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