Future power

6 January 2023

So, state and national governments really are thinking about what Australia’s future vehicle fleet looks like. With this comes the inevitable dialogue about electric vehicles (EVs) and the role they play in the future.  

Many people believe batteries will power all future cars. But it may not be as linear as people think.  

We know much work is in play regarding hydrogen vehicles and particularly for fuel cell vehicles.  

These vehicles are EVs. They just have the power source on-board – hydrogen – which electrolysis converts to electricity.  

There is also much in play with direct injection hydrogen, which means the gas burns in a combustion chamber in much the same way as petrol or diesel.  

And let’s not overlook the potential value of bio-fuels, which means you can still use an internal combustion engine, but with zero C02 emissions.  

So, there’s not one solution to lowering fuel emissions in the vehicle fleet. It’s more likely to be combined applications based on available energy sources and the task at hand.

Now, I’m always talking to industry experts, researchers and fellow peak body leaders about topics like this. I’m gaining insights and gathering information all the time. 

But I understand that not everyone lives and breathes auto like I do though. It’s one of the reasons I place such a big importance on communications channels, like this weekly column.

We are all a part of the electric revolution, and so it’s important that industry – and government, for that matter – is open with motorists. 

Afterall, it’s going to be an interesting ride...

Words: VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun on 6 January 2023.