Green Talks Electrification

In partnership with Polestar, green magazine hosted its 16^th green Talks with the very topical subject being the electrification of the home and vehicle transport.  The panel included four key speakers with extensive knowledge on their respective topics.

An informative Q and A session followed the presentation by the panellists

Click here for the complete audio recording.

The Panel comprised:

Laurissa Mirabelli, Polestar Head of PR & Communications
Laurissa presented an overview of the Polestar range and plans for the future beyond the recently released Polestar 3. She explained the three key pillars of the Polestar design based on Scandinavian aesthetics. Circularity is built into the design to maximise reuse. Laurissa outlined the recent Life Cycle Assessment report.
The Polestar R&D team is based in the UK and is employing blockchain technology to trace the source of the vehicle’s materials and ensuring an ethical supply chain plus tracking of emissions. Clever innovations include replacing virgin plastics with flax based composites. Laurissa noted that Polestar’s aim is to have complete climate neutral vehicles by 2030.

Ross De Rango, Electric Vehicles Council Head of Energy and Infrastructure
Ross presented an overview of the big picture switch from fossil fuels consumption to the migration to all electric vehicle usage and the associated savings. He updated the audience on the national EV charging infrastructure roll-out which has seen an increase from 550 to 750 charging stations in the last 4 months.Ross advised that the grid will cope in the near future over the next decade as it is built for summer afternoon peaks.

Glenn Probstl, Fire Safe Victoria
Glen explained about EV safety and explained about the rarity of EV fires. He also discussed eBikes & eScooters safe charging and the risk of using non compatible chargers. Glenn outlined how to safely charge the EV at home.

Jess Christiansen, RACV Solar Electric Homes Program Lead
Jess explained how RACV now has installed solar systems into tens of thousands of homes plus larger scale commercial projects. She discussed the journey and considerations into transitioning into the all-electric home. The three key benefits are dollar savings, reduction in emissions and health improvements by removing gas cooking. Jess highlighted the importance of the switch board design and capacity when adding solar PV panels and battery storage. The benefits of electrification of the home ecosystem with electric heating/cooling, hot water systems and induction cooking in the home were emphasised. Jess busted the myth around three phase power and advised single phase will work for the all-electric home and noted the benefits of a smart EV charger.

Questions from the audience are from the 40 minute mark of the audio clip.

Polestar
RACV Solar
Fire Safe Victoria
Electric Vehicle Council