PHEV electric car. Credit: CSIRO

By Rich Bowden:

Australia’s CSIRO has said Victorian energy distributor SP AusNet has begun road testing the revolutionary plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Staff from SP AusNet will test the PHEV’s as part of a join trial hosted by the CSIRO and the energy company, said the science organisation in a news release. The vehicles are capable of carrying a 30Ah NiMH battery which is capable of holding a 6kw charge, and will include a battery charger “…to allow the cars to plug into and charge with electricity from the grid or from on-site renewable energy sources,” said the CSIRO statement.

CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship scientist Dr Phillip Paevere said the testing is more than just a road test. The researchers are collecting data on how PHEV technology could be used as a giant mobile battery which can be integrated and used in the home.

“The PHEVs have been fitted with instruments which will monitor the travel patterns of different users, and the residual battery power left in the car at the end of the day, which could be available for other uses,” Dr Paevere said.

He added that the parked PHEV cars could double as an important energy source for the home.

“When not needed, the parked car in the driveway could potentially become a large battery store and energy source for the house, running appliances or storing off-peak or surplus electricity generated from on-site renewable generators, such as solar panels.”

Analysis of the effects of PHEV’s connected to the electricity network when charging will be covered in the research said SP AusNet spokesperson Sean Sampson.

engineers refitted the plug-in hybrid electric trial cars with a larger battery pack and battery charger. Credit: CSIRO

“The introduction of electric vehicles into the mainstream market could have a significant impact on the electricity network,” Mr Sampson said. “They may also dramatically affect the output at residential and retail outlets and the forecasted growth of peak and base demands.”

However the technology is capable of reducing carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy sources and reduce pressure on power during peak demand periods, the CSIRO statement said. The technology will be used in the home energy system of the CSIRO’s Zero Emission House (AusZEH) project, a home that will open to the public in summer 2009.

Tags: australian science, CSIRO electric cars, electric car, Renewable energy, SP AusNet