Wizards of Oz: Research into Alternative Powerplants Is Not Being Undertaken by Local Australian Manufacturers, so Who Is Driving It and What Are the Results?

Federal hybrid technology research in Australia is the bailiwick of CSIRO, the federal industrial research arm. Projects include Energy Transformed, a flagship program resulting in increased automotive powertrain theoretical work. Holden, an Australian carmaker, has long partnered with CSIRO in developing powertrains. In 2000, Holden developed what was touted as the world's first rear-drive, full-sized, hybrid family sedan, known as the ECOmmodore. CSIRO is also working with hydrogen technology. As home to the World Solar Challenge, Australian research groups, especially those based at universities, are making headway into renewable energy. Efforts include thin-film solar cells and photovoltaics. At the University of Queensland, for instance, researchers are using solar cells on the Ultra Commuter, a two-seat sports coupe, to help in battery charging. The author discusses these and other research efforts taking place in Australia.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/14609509
• Authors:
  • Cowan, Brian
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Illustrations; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 48-50
• Serial:
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International
  • Publisher: UKIP Media & Events
  • ISSN: 1460-9509

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Businesses; Electric batteries; Federal government; Hybrid automobiles; Hydrogen; Power trains; Renewable energy sources; Research; Solar energy; Solar power generation; Universities and colleges
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Energy; Environment; Highways; Research; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01047068
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 24 2007 11:51AM