| Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, is addicted to fossil fuels, which generate most of its electricity and drives much of its transport system. In the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, conservationists say a small but significant step has been taken towards a cleaner energy future. Australia's first solar power charging station for electric cars has been switched on. It takes up to five hours to fully replenish a battery that allows an average vehicle to travel about 150 kilometres. As the technology improves, it's hoped that batteries could eventually be fully charged within half an hour. Environmentalists say that Australia has been slow to embrace electric cars compared to other countries because of what they describe as "serious cultural and political resistance" to change. Petrol prices recently hit $1.60 a litre here. If those costs continue to rise then Australia's indifference to electric-powered vehicles could begin to change. |
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