“This project has been about demonstrating it was possible to convert an
existing mass produced car from a greenhouse gas emitting petrol driven car into a carbon free electric one.
“The need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels such as petrol is obvious,
particularly with cost of petrol soaring in recent times. “The way that hybrids have been embraced is a sign of the growing demand for
more environmentally friendly alternative to our current petrol fuelled cars. “With a top speed of 90-100km/h, a range of around 150km the electric
powered Berlingo is suited for local trips. It takes between 6 and 8 hours to
totally recharge and can be charged after every trip, no need to wait for the
cells to run low.
“Being carbon free is not the only advantage. The car has a simple engine
design and few moving parts meaning they don’t require the servicing a
combustion engine requires. There is also no need for oil changes & filters,
fuel tanks, fuel injectors, carburettors, or an exhaust system. Nor is there a
need for replacing spark plugs, engine oil, oil filters, air filters & timing belts. “This is another example of CERES providing cutting edge ideas about how to
combat climate change.
“CERES would love to see this take off in the future and is looking to develop
an electric vehicle conversion training program and suppling information to
help other people get started themselves” Mr Larocca concluded.
For more information or an interview with one of team that converted the
car please contact :
Sandra Castro Marketing Co-ordinator 03 9387 2609, 0400 578 587
sandra@ceres.org.au
Open the Electric Vehicle Fact Sheet
What is so good about electric vehicles?
Electricity can be ‘green’ (from renewable sources),
therefore travel can then become more or less carbon free. Refuelling
is just like charging any other appliance – plug it in the
wall at night (as long as the electricity is on a green power
scheme) and the next morning the car can be driven without having
to visit a petrol station. With a renewable power supply, these
cars would obtain their energy from a non-emitting source, whilst
paying virtually nothing.
Also,
• No need for a complex engine with large
numbers of moving parts. An electric motor is extremely simple
• No requirement for oil changes and filters, fuel tanks, fuel
injectors, carburettors, or an exhaust system. There is no requirement
for servicing and replacement of spark plugs, engine oil, oil filters,
air filters, and timing belts. No need for emissions tests.
• Maintenance is easy. In a practical sense, the only work required
on the car is electrical system checks and tyre rotation.
• Electric motors are probably the most efficient systems for
propelling cars. They are between 85% and 95% efficient at using energy,
whereas ordinary car engines are only 15 - 25% efficient at converting
fuel energy to motion. Cars can be ‘recharged’ during the
braking process. And, they consume no energy when the car is stationary,
the motor does not run at all.
For more information about joining in meetings,
location and times please contact Rhys at rhys@ceres.org.au |
