Plugged In: EV errors, fuel cells are go, and new Kona EV spotted

Plugged In is The Driven’s weekly wrap up of what happened over the past week in the local EV industry and community.

This week saw a lot of movement both on the political front and the auto industry front.

Federal energy department officials admitted they made errors in EV abatement cost modelling, a Labor MP had a go at the government about poor EV policy, and the FCAI reported vehicle emissions revealing just how dirty Australia’s car, van and truck fleet is.

Meanwhile, the first fuel cell vehicle officially went on sale in Australia and the first fuel cell station opened in the ACT, a 2021 Kona EV refresh was spotted in Canberra, Mercedes-Benz announced pricing for the EQA, and Tritium expanded its footprint further in the US and Europe.

Officials reject suggestion Taylor asked for “dodgy” EV modelling, but admit errors

Department officials asked to explain assumptions that underpinned widely-panned EV cost modelling, but rejected assertions Taylor asked for dodgy numbers.

“Putting handbrake on EV sales:” Federal Labor MP takes govt to task over poor policy

Federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite says government is “putting the handbrake” on EVs, becoming second federal MP in as many weeks to call for stronger policy to support a transition to electric vehicles.

Australian cars, utes and vans are up to 40 pct dirtier than in Europe

Australian cars emit 23 per cent more carbon dioxide than their European counterparts, while vans and utes are almost 40 per cent worse.

2021 Hyundai Kona electric vehicle refresh spotted in Canberra

The latest improved version of the Hyundai Kona electric SUV spotted on Australian roads for first time, at launch of first hydrogen refuelling station.

Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV becomes first fuel cell car for sale in Australia

Official details and specs of Hyundai Nexo have been announced, becoming first fuel cell vehicle in Australia to officially go on sale.

Mercedes-Benz unveils pricing and details of new EQA electric compact SUV

It is the first premium electric SUV for sale from under $80,000.

GET launches first EV charging hub for inner-city residents

Melbourne electric car charging company GET launches first charging hub in Melbourne, providing charging solution for those who can’t charge at home.

Tritium to supply EV chargers to California energy utility

Electric car charging solution provider EvGateway selects Tritium as supplier of DC fast charging units for 27 locations across California.

Australia’s Vulcan to track carbon emissions used in EV lithium-ion batteries

Vulcan Energy has to trace and measure the emissions across its European lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.

Shell searching for “right opportunities” for Australian EV charging and hydrogen

Shell Australia is actively searching for the right opportunities to get into the Australian electric vehicle charging market.

Bridie Schmidt

Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model 3 and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.