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The University of Western Australia will this week launch a zero-emission electric car that will cost as little as $1.40/100km to operate.

Students in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics have converted a five-door economy car into a renewable energy vehicle (REV).

Project director Associate Professor Thomas Braunl said although electric cars were not a new invention recent advances in motor, battery and controller technology made them a viable alternative to petrol cars.

"Students and staff at UWA are developing electric zero-emission vehicle technology using the latest research.  Our REV project generates its own clean power using grid-connected solar panels on the roof of the Faculty building," Professor Braunl said.

"The converted economy car achieves speeds of up to 120km/h and costs as little as $1.40/100km to operate.  The petrol version of this car costs more than $10.00/100km to run."

WHAT :          Test drive zero-emission renewable energy vehicle before its official
launch at 12.30pm on campus

WHEN: Thursday 20 November, 2008
10.00am

WHERE: Electrical Engineering building, off Fairway Entrance No 3, Carpark 14,
in the courtyard between EE, Water Research and Environmental Systems
Engineering, UWA

Media references

Associate Professor Thomas Braunl (Project Director)  (+61 8)  6488 1763  /  (+61 4) 02 017 315
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716