Queensland’s brightest minds in electric transport will descend on Brisbane for the State’s inaugural Electric Transport Industry Transformation Forum on Friday 17 March.
Researchers, industry leaders, advocates and government representatives will share insights and debate plans for the future of an electric transport industry in the Sunshine State.
The forum, co-hosted by RACQ, QUT and UQ, will hear from 28 experts specialising in everything from power electronics, battery production and biofuel-electrification to vehicle manufacturing and industry policy.
RACQ CEO David Carter said the forum was critical in bringing together key sectors to develop a plan for advancing Queensland’s transport and manufacturing industries.
“To ensure we capitalise on the electrification of transport, our universities, governments and industry must collaborate and that’s exactly what this forum is designed to achieve,” Mr Carter said.
“Queensland already has a thriving transport manufacturing industry, and we must build on this; electric buses, trains, caravans, commercial and defence vehicles, and boats should all be explored in detail.
“We all have a part to play and if we do this well, Queensland will lead the country in electric transport, future-proofing our state, creating thousands of jobs, bolstering our economy and protecting and enhancing our future for generations to come.”
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the forum was another step forward as QUT and its researchers continued the focus in promoting sustainability and developing renewable energy solutions.
“Queensland has many key research strengths that come into play when focussing on a future of an EV ecosystem, including the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Battery Testing Centre at the Banyo Pilot Plant Precinct, which is QUT’s first renewable energy powered research facility, and the work on areas including robotic vision and artificial intelligence from QUT’s Centre of Robotics,” Professor Sheil said.
“QUT looks forward to continue working with research and industry partners to deliver real-world solutions in support of meeting our clean energy and sustainability targets, and to enable Queensland and Australia to accelerate on the path towards being a renewable energy superpower.”
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Queensland had the capability to create a globally competitive electric transport sector.
“By leveraging world-leading research in Queensland and through collaboration with government and industry, we can build a thriving local industry,” Professor Terry said.
“Our shared knowledge will enable us to enhance established transport sectors, delivering environmental, social and economic benefits for Queensland for decades to come.
“A great example of progress in action is Brisbane-based company Tritium, which began its journey at UQ and is now the third largest manufacturer of electric vehicle chargers in the world.”
