Welcome to the December issue of EVtalk Australia where we have a Christmas feast of the latest news.
The all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV is charging onto the Australian market. To borrow from the brand’s name, we put it through its paces. The Jaguar I-Pace has the looks, the range, comfort and the price to appeal to many. And a production race series featuring 12 I-Paces is also off to a good start in December. The event, running in support of the ABB FIA Formula E electric racing calendar will help enhance the I-Pace’s attributes.
Speaking of fast, we also take a look at Fast Cities’ plan for 400 rapid charging stations across Australia. It says no EV driver should have to travel more than 75km between a 50-150kW charger.
What needs to slow further – or even stop – are Australia’s road deaths and injuries. The key may be held by connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology. Mark Rowland has a passion for Safe Systems and checks out what’s being done in Australia and New Zealand to help prevent road trauma.
The new BMW i3 and i3s are in Australian dealerships in February 2019, offering more range and power. Pricing and specs are available now.
A new green vehicle range is here from Hyundai. Queensland has grabbed the first all-electric Hyundai Ioniq in Australia for its government fleet. Two hybrids – one a plug-in – are also provided among Hyundai’s Ioniq options.
The sunshine (or solar) state has just released new rules covering “rideables” such as electric bikes and electric scooters. A 25km/h speed limit, mandatory helmet wearing, no riders under 12 and a ban on their use on Brisbane roads are among the changes. The pros and cons of electric scooters are covered in an Australian Road Research Board report, which asks whether they are a last mile answer or an accident waiting to happen.
You can read about what’s going on in EV sales statistics, a drop-off following a similar trend in general vehicle sales. And check out what our cousins across the Tasman are doing in their EV space.
Enjoy your Christmas read – and make your New Year’s resolution an EV one.
