SP AusNet road trials PHEVs

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Staff from Australian energy distributor SP AusNet are road trialling plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) as part of a three-month scientific trial.

Staff from Australian energy distributor SP AusNet are road trialling plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) in and out of office hours as part of a three-month scientific trial.

Engineers from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have modified the PHEVs to carry a 30Ah NiMH battery - which is capable of holding a 6kW charge - and a battery charger, to allow the cars to plug into and charge with electricity from the grid or from on-site renewable energy sources.

CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship scientist Phillip Paevere said the road trial is collecting extensive information on how an existing PHEV can be used as a large mobile battery that can be integrated and used in the home.

‘The PHEVs have been fitted with instruments that 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,’ Paevere said.

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