Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle Pilot
- $2m Funded by ARENA
- $7.65m Total project cost
Summary
The Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle Pilot developed by Applied Electric Vehicles Pty Ltd (AEV) will produce a lightweight, energy efficient, autonomous electric vehicle (EV) that will incorporate a solar photovoltaic (PV) roof and lithium-ion battery system.
Need
The Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle Pilot acknowledges that the United Nations predicts that 68 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, equating to more than 6.5 billion people. As a result, the way we transport people and items in urban areas will change. Transport needs in cities will see more vehicles provide short trips at low speed. AEV’s Modular Vehicle System (MVS) represents a sustainable EV solution.
Learn more
Report: Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle Pilot Mid Project
This report summarises progress and key learnings from the first fifteen months of the Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle project, including testing outcomes for the first vehicle prototype.
Video: The AEV Electric, Self Charging and Autonomous Vehicle
Applied Electric Vehicles has developed an autonomous EV that can be charged with solar cells embedded in its roof.
Image: Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle
The Solar EV on a test drive.
Image: Energy Freedom Solar Electric Vehicle
The base of the Applied Electric Vehicles EV.
Media Release: Driverless Electric Vehicle to be Powered with Solar Rooftop
An Australian startup is developing an innovative autonomous electric vehicle (EV) that will utilise a solar PV roof and lithium ion battery system.
Action
An early stage prototype of AEV’s MVS has already been developed. AEV will refine the design and engineering of the prototype vehicle and its systems to optimise energy efficiency.
In partnership with Japanese company Teijin Limited, the EV will be lightweight and include a solar PV roof that will help charge the battery and decrease the amount of electricity required from charging points.
AEV will also determine the minimum viable specification of the vehicle for market launch, with the aim that the EV can be delivered to market in the near future.
Outcome
By focusing on transport for short trips at low speed, AEV aims to create a vehicle that is much more energy efficient than a typical EV.
If manufactured in large numbers and used in cities, the vehicle will make a genuine contribution to the adoption of renewables and reduction of carbon in the transport sector.
Read more
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Can electric vehicles accelerate the transition to renewables?
After a cautious start, Australians are buying electric vehicles in growing numbers as manufacturers release more models to the Australian market.
Homegrown autonomous EV charges from solar panels in roof
Electric, self charging and autonomous. An Australian startup is reimagining the car.
