For further information telephone 1300 275 794 or see swinburne.edu.

au

Electric Vehicle Research
at Swinburne


Swinburne University of Technologys Electric Vehicle Research Group is one of the leading
groups in the world in Electric Vehicle research, development, policy and education, with the
vision to transform society by significantly greening personal transport.
Policy
Research

Electric Vehicles (EVs) can offer emission-free urban transportation with the utilisation of various forms of
renewable energy. EVs can positively impact energy resources, the environment and transportation; as well as
promote new industry and economic development.
Electric Vehicle research is multidisciplinary in nature and covers a broad range of complex issues. The Electric
Vehicle Research Group current research is in the following aspects of EV technology:
Drivetrain and Electric Motor Technologies
Permanent Magnet (PM) motors offer significant
efficiency advantages and are used in several
models of EVs. Rare Earth Elements (REE) are
used in PMs with 98% of REE found in China.
Dr Mehran Ektesabi is developing a new integrated
motor, based on his earlier design which won the
Victorian Engineering Excellence Award for 2005
(Innovations) and is now manufactured by CMG Ltd.
The Electric Vehicle Research Group is also
researching new materials applying nanotechnology
for the Permanent Magnets.

Battery Technology and Management
Battery technology holds the key to success of the
EV revolution and is subject of intense research both
publicly and privately. Higher capacity and longer life
batteries are being developed and manufacturers
need to determine the ways to charge them and to
predict battery life.
Dr Weixiang Shen is reviewing battery charging and
discharging. He has developed new algorithms
which probe the current behaviour and past history
of each cell to provide faster charging and longer,
more predictable, battery life.
The group is also researching new generation
Lithium air and Lithium sulphur batteries to provide
dramatic improvement in energy density using
nanostructured cathodes, anodes and improved
electrolytes.
Faculty of Engineering & Industrial Sciences

Higher Education Division

2 swinburne.edu.au | CRICOS Provider 00111D


Vehicle Architecture and Design
It is very expensive to develop a completely new
EV chassis and body and the required tooling and
supply chain for its manufacture. Current research
focuses on accommodating the electric motor,
battery and controls in an existing vehicle and the
assembly line.
Mr Ambarish Kulkarni is conducting researching
using Virtual Reality and Full Body Motion Capture
equipment in Swinburne Universitys newly
developed Virtual Reality Design Laboratory. This
research includes detailed engineering and design
in developing the optimum arrangement of
components within an EV to ensure effective
operation and manufacture.

Lightweighting
There are significant cost advantages in
lightweighting EVs, primarily because a lighter
vehicle requires a smaller battery pack.
Dr (Tracy) Dong Ruan is conducting research on
aluminium foam filled high energy absorption
structural components. The combination of lighter
weight with high energy absorption is ideal for
maximising the range and safety of EVs. Other
research into lightweighting focuses on simplifying
vehicle design.

Clean21 Manufacturing
Clean21 is the federal governments manufacturing
industry strategy to reduce pollution and fight
climate change. Professor Romesh Nagarajah is
conducting research on greening the
manufacturing processes through new inspection
techniques.
The Electric Vehicle Research Group is also
conducting research which utilises Direct Metal
Deposition techniques applied to high tech
components and tooling, as well as Self Pierce
Riveting (SPR) systems and laser assisted SPR.

Vehicle to Vehicle and Vehicle to Infrastructure
Communications
Associate Professor Hai Vus research into vehicle
to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure
communications with a Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network
(VANET), aims to improve road safety and increase
transportation efficiency.

Smart Electric Grid
A Smart Electric Grid gathers, distributes and acts
on information about the behaviour of stakeholders
in order to improve efficiency and sustainability of
electricity services. They better support charging
stations for EVs. Research in this area will focus on
modelling and optimisation in integrating EV
charging stations into electric grids, including smart
grids.
The Electric Vehicle Research Group also draws
upon expertise across the University to review:
Consumer Behaviour and Public Policy
New Business Models and Entrepreneurship
EV Promotion, Training and Education


For more information contact:

Professor Ajay Kapoor
Deputy Dean
Head of the Electric Vehicle Research Group
Faculty of Engineering & Industrial Sciences
Phone: 03 9214 8202
Email: akapoor@swin.edu.au