According to a recent study from The Australian National University, electric vehicles can handle the distances needed to get to key services in remote and regional Australia (ANU).
Dr. Bjorn Sturmberg, a co-author, says that the results show that electric vehicles can be used in more places than people might think.
The distances between people’s dwellings and the closest “service hub” towns, such as those where they might go shopping, were analyzed, according to Dr. Sturmberg.
“93% of inhabitants, or the vast majority, could complete those trips with even the smallest electric vehicle now offered on the Australian market. without having to stop for refueling en route. ”
Dr. Sturmberg says that because of this, there is no reason to leave our rural communities out of the conversation.
“Electric vehicles shouldn’t be put in the “too hard” category; we must improve. “Since rural and regional communities will be among those most adversely affected by catastrophic climate change, it would be an inequitable and unfair course of action,” said Dr. Sturmberg.
“Yes, there are clear obstacles like long distances and unpaved roads. But the advantages are also plain to see. Electric engines are easier to maintain and more reliable than fuel engines, yet diesel is expensive and difficult to bring to these areas. ”
Co-author Dr. Francis Markham said that there are some gaps in what we know and that there are some areas that need more research.
For instance, Dr. Markham noted, “We still lack precise data on the influence of unsealed roads or varied conditions on the practical range of electric vehicles.”
Additionally, little is known about how well electric vehicles perform in extremely hot weather. However, we’re sure that Australia’s rural and regional areas may benefit from electric vehicles.
The experts claim that one of the most important problems we must address if we are to lessen the worst effects of climate change is transportation.
Dr. Sturmberg says that the transportation sector is responsible for more than 18% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and 25% of the world’s emissions.
“It must rapidly decarbonise — and electric vehicles are going to be a crucial part of that decarbonisation.”
