It is early days, as the sales show (see our article on the EV market in Australia), but perhaps, just maybe, we are at a turning point. It's happened in the USA, with sales of EVs and PHEVs accelerating since 2011. Our author suggests that perhaps 2015 will be the year things start to change here.
In the USA, and even on a small-scale here, the idea of smart charging (with the timing of EV charging controlled by the grid to avoid peak times) is moving from research to trials. Using your EV as storage is also getting attention, for providing emergency power or grid backup. Read about these in 'Your EV's Other Life'.
The latest in our 'Know your renewables' series focuses on EVs too, getting under the bonnet to explain how they work, behind the wheel to see how they drive, and discussing the nitty gritty of how to manage charging and maintenance (in answer to the latter-easily, with much less maintenance required than a standard 'fossil' car, and many EVs enabled for remote support via their internet connections).
We also talk to owners of electric cars, motorbikes and e-bikes to hear their stories of how they came to the world of EVs. Some have had the 'EV grin' forEVer, but others are new to the idea. For all of them, it's part of a wish to reduce their transport-related emissions; for many, there's also joy in the new technology (Tesla Model S owners put your hands up); for one, it's been on his 'bucket list' for a while!
Of course, better public transport, better planning and bike-friendly roads can go a long way to reducing our emissions as well. We also look at electrifying some of these options, with electric buses, motorbikes and bikes. We even look at electrifying planes.
We don't discuss in detail here the question of the difference in emissions between electric vehicles and petrol-powered cars, covered previously in ReNew 120. That equation rests on how dirty the electricity generation is, but the balance can be swung towards the green through solar PV and GreenPower, whereas petrol-power can never be made clean.
It's not just about EVs this issue. We also cover a household living their off-grid dream with a bike shop, holiday rental and home in WA, examine solar financing, shine a light on the problems commonly found in energy assessments and cover three DIY projects, including the intriguing open-source Open Sprinkler water reticulation controller. Plus our buyers guide this issue is an update of our very popular guide on batteries for household renewable energy systems. Enjoy!
Robyn Deed
"ReNew "Editor
The post ReNew 131 Editorial - Electric avenues to more sustainable transport appeared first on Renew Magazine.
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