University of Queensland (UQ) e-mobility researcher Jake Whitehead plans to build on Australia’s existing mining expertise with his electric vehicle (EV) technology research.
His focus is targeted to make a sustainable EV technology, considering transportation is one of the main generators of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions around the world.
EV technology will reduce both carbon and particulate emissions, helping not only the environment but also improving air quality, according to Whitehead.
It also reduces the impact of fossil fuel vehicle emissions on humans’ health, he continued.
“EV technology, and e-mobility more broadly, presents enormous opportunities for Australia,” Whitehead added.
“From an economic perspective, we have a unique opportunity to build on our existing mining expertise, and transition our resources sector towards the growing global demand for the minerals required to produce batteries and EVs.”
The researcher is backed by a $1.5 million donation to the university by the Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation.
The new Tritium e-Mobility visiting fellow was named after the internationally recognised e-mobility company Tritium, which grew out of a solar car racing team at UQ in 1999.
“EVs can support the uptake of renewable energy and lead to a more stable electricity grid by acting as ‘batteries-on-wheels’,” Whitehead concluded.