STUDENTS from the University of Western Australia have converted a standard economy car into an electric Renewable Energy Vehicle (REV), with plans to convert a high performance race vehicle in the near future.

The concept of electrical cars is nothing new, says Professor Braünl, director of the project. However, recent advances in motor, battery and controller technology now allow them to be a viable alternative to petrol cars.

“It's a very green car, with zero pollution and zero carbon emission,” says Professor Braünl.

“We have a 2kW photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the EECE building. The solar panels will produce more clean energy than we need for recharging the car on a daily basis, so its truly clean energy, and totally guilt free because it’s zero emission.”

The converted economy car, a five seater Hyundai Getz, achieves speeds of up to 120km/h and costs $1.40/100km to operate, while the petrol version of the car costs more than $10.00/100km to run.

Converting the car cost the team $15,000 but Professor Braünl says that in the near future electric cars should cost no more to make than their petrol equivalent. Around $10,000 of the cost was for batteries alone and Professor Braünl believes a move towards mass production will see costs come down until an electric car will cost the same to build as conventional models.

“With all the news at the moment concerning global warning and high fuel prices, many people think it's inevitable that electric cars will enter the market during the next few years,” he says.

“I think prototypes will be available in 2010, and available to buy in another five years or so. Within ten years ten percent of cars will be electric.

“Global warming demands us to reduce CO2 emissions, while oil and petrol prices are at an all-time high. With electric vehicles, we can achieve sustainable, truly zero-emission transportation.”

The REV is being featured as part of Scitech’s newest exhibit, Going Places - The Technology of Transport.