Engineers Australia member Chris Dahlitz FIEAust CPEng NER was recently a key contributor in publishing two new technical standards providing national guidance for the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia.
Chris used his decades of professional experience in the electricity supply industry and his personal experiences of owning and driving an EV since 2013 to inform his work on the standards. He answered a few of our questions about the new standards.
The documents were developed by Standards Australia committee EM-001 Electric vehicle operations, with funding from the NSW Government.
What inspired you to be on the EM-001 – Electric vehicle operation committee?
I have a lifelong interest in electric vehicles, having completed my undergraduate thesis on a DC Chopper for an electric car in 1981. I am also a member of several Standards Australia committees (representing Engineers Australia) including EM001 – Electric mobility where I was the drafting lead of the review of AS-5732 Electric vehicle operations – maintenance and repair.
Why is it important engineers contribute to the standards development process?
Standards are predominantly technical, so engineers are a logical fit to enhance their development. A large part of my career was centred on electrical safety and this is an area I can contribute to in the development and/or modification of standards, particularly as it relates to EVs.
What positive impact has volunteering had on you as an engineer?
My involvement with Standards Australia committee’s since ceasing full-time work has kept me in touch with the engineering profession. My involvement with EVs has led to me being invited to present at several regional conferences.
The technical standards are SA TS 5396, electric vehicle (EV) chargers for residential use and SA TS 5397, electric vehicle (EV) chargers for commercial applications. These standards are available free from the Standards Australia shop.
Want to get involved? We post new opportunities to volunteer with Standards Australia regularly.