Rob Wilson is a former Fleet Manager, Fleet Consultant and the Manager Fleet at IPWEA. He spoke to Caroline Falls about the road ahead for electric vehicles.
FAN: What would you like to see happen to advance the role of EVs?
Rob: I believe there is a significant opportunity for collaboration across government and industry to set goals and support their delivery. There are already some notable examples such as Queensland’s super highway project from Gold Coast to Cairns and work being done by individual local governments such as Morland City Council. There are organisations like the Electric Vehicle Council representing the EV industry that are already working in this area. I think this indicates a will and what could be done on a larger scale.
FAN: What are the impediments to a faster rollout?
Rob: It would be great to see more headway as a country with EVs. I think the answer is looking abroad where EV take up has been significant. Places like Norway, the Netherlands, Japan, the USA, particularly California and China. A common thread in these types of places, is either direct or in-direct intervention from government to support the technology.
Things like tax breaks, rebates, lower insurance premiums, free parking, no congestion charges are all examples of incentives that have been applied to increase the take up of EVs.
We know there is a tipping point in the adoption of new technology that leads to the products full integration into the market. We haven’t got there yet.
FAN: Presently, how viable are EVs in Australia?
Rob: Well there is always the argument that vast distances in Australia make EVs unviable – but that doesn’t stack up in reality. Many of us drive less than 40km to work every day, or 10 km to the shops. Not 500 km between cities. For many the ability to do our daily commute and general run around and then re-charge at home at night is quite achievable.
The other consideration is cost. The price differential for hybrids and PEVs over conventional drive lines is reducing and will continue to do so. But potential owners need to look beyond initial outlay and consider whole of life cost. Maintenance and repair of PEVs is relatively simple and fuel costs are reduced.
FAN: What role will EVs play in the future?
Rob: It’s not just the vehicle that is set to change. The whole value chain needs to change with it. Consider the impact on vehicle component manufacturers, service providers such as road-side assist, dealerships, charging infrastructure, maintenance and repair providers. All of these will need to evolve to support the increase of EVs.
