Scientists and researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have helped Australia jump into the zero-emissions fray. The university’s Institute for Sustainable Futures was contracted by developer Szencorp to create a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) that would work well as a commuter car. The end result is the UTS/Szencorp PHEV which was presented for the first time this week in Melbourne.
Drivers and car experts familiar with Toyota’s Prius hybrid should recognize the body used in the UTS/Szencorp PHEV. The developers used the 2005 Toyota Prius as the base vehicle for conversion from hybrid propulsion to electric-only power. The hybrid drive train was integrated with a NiMH battery from Nilar to increase range for this PHEV.
Observers familiar with electric vehicles may not be impressed by this PHEV’s range, charging and price. The Nilar battery along with the manufacturer battery provides enough energy for 19 miles of operation. This number represents the typical one-way trip into work for most Australians which meets the goal of UTS to create a commuter vehicle. The battery’s 240-volt onboard charger allows the NiMH power pack to recharge completely after six hours plugged into a household outlet. The overall cost of UTS and Szencorp’s conversion was $14,000USD though this cost may increase for the average consumer without technical wherewithal.
Australian drivers interested in converting their cars and trucks into PHEVs can find a silver lining from the UTS/Szencorp project. The estimated fuel mileage of this PHEV is 118 miles per gallon which leaves the hybrid Prius and other alternatives to gas-guzzling vehicles in the dust. Consumers should also take solace in the fact that the UTS/Szencorp PHEV is in the first generation of development.
The conversion project undertaken by UTS and Szencorp shows that PHEV development method will remain a niche market for decades. Many consumers lack the technical know-how, time and space to undertake conversion projects. The high cost of conversion kits at this moment make hybrids and smaller cars more affordable for most people. The efforts of researchers and developers in Australia will need to continue if there are hopes of driving down prices while increasing commuting ranges.
