Protecting People and Assets in the Mobile Workplace
EV Pilot - Ora
MANAGING FIRE RISK
SOURCE: FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
Minimise Risk
Make sure that your EV is identifiable by emergency services. There should be a blue “EV” sticker/badge on the number plate to indicate that it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. These stickers are there specifically to warn emergency responders of the presence of a high voltage battery. Information on the requirements is available from the NSW Government website [external link].
When installing charging equipment, ensure the charging cable and/or unit is electrically compliant and installed by a qualified electrician to AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules”, Appendix P Guidance for Installation and Location of Electrical Vehicle Socket-Outlets and Charging Stations.
FRNSW recommends that a smoke alarm or a heat alarm is installed in Class 10a buildings (i.e. private garages) where an EV is regularly parked or charged. We recommend having a licenced electrician install interconnected mains-powered devices where possible. Check with the manufacturer or distributor to ensure device models are compatible for interconnection.
When charging your EV, only use extension leads and power sockets that are intended for use in the charging of electric vehicles. Always exercise caution when charging in wet weather, and especially during electrical storms.
If an Incident Occurs
Act quickly and make sure the parking brake is engaged and the vehicle is switched off before evacuating the vehicle of all passengers.
Keep clear of the vehicle and warn passers-by to keep at a safe distance (at least 30 metres), even if there is no visible smoke, vapours or flames.
Call Triple Zero (000) and inform the operator that the vehicle involved is an EV. Clearly detail the make and model of the vehicle, which will allow responders to access additional emergency information specific to the vehicle.
Ensure that remote keys cannot inadvertently start the vehicle.
If anyone has been exposed to spilled electrolyte, flying debris, smoke or vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance. Burns should be immediately treated with cool running water for 20 minutes. Burns larger than a 20-cent piece require emergency care. Treat with cool running water immediately, call Triple Zero (000), and follow the advice of the operator.
Damaged EVs
An electric vehicle that has been involved in a collision, a fire, or has been submerged, must be treated with caution as the high voltage battery pack may be compromised. Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident.
Damaged EVs should be kept in an open area at least 15 metres from other vehicles, buildings, and/or other exposures.
Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice.
Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
PUTTING FIRE RISK INTO PERSPECTIVE
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS INTO THE LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE
Australian Research
A study conducted by Western Sydney University in July 2023 titled "Fire Incidents, Trends, and Risk Mitigation Framework of Electrical Vehicle Cars in Australia" suggests EV fires are even less frequent: according to the researcher's methodology, Australia experiences approximately six EV fires per million EVs, comparable to the global average. This research suggests that:
if EV uptake follows the projected trend of reaching 1.7 million by 2030,
there will be just 9-10 EV fire incidents in Australia that year.
International Insurance Statistics
A 2022 analysis by insurance company AutoinsuranceEZ showed that based on US-based National Transport and Safety Board data:
ICE vehicles are 60 times more likely to catch fire than electric vehicles and
Hybrid vehicles are 138 times more likely to catch fire
Wallbox
WI-FI SET-UP SCREENSHOTS
SELF-GENERATED V GRID MIX
For those of you who have solar, you can view the mix of self-generated (solar) power and grid generated power on the statistics in your mobile app.
Overnight Charging
Power Assistant Function
SOC - STATE OF CHARGE
For the purposes of this pilot we are prioritising total vehicle range and the ability to minimise the number of visits that you will need to make to public fast-charging stations. Therefore, for overnight charging, we will want to charge vehicles to 100% SOC. To ensure that your vehicle is set to 100% SOC, follow these steps within the Multimedia screen:
Touch the Power Assistant button on the menu to switch to the power assistant page.
Power Flow displays power transfer status and total range.
Charging Management sets the Charging Mode and SOC limit of the power battery.
Set the SOC to 100%
Real Range V WLTP
EV Real Range
WHY IT’S DIFFERENT TO WLTP
You will notice that after charging overnight, your vehicle will not be charging up to the WLTP range of your vehicle. It will instead be showing you the ‘real range’ of your vehicle. It has adjusted, just like Internal Combustion Engine vehicles do, according to the type of driving that you have been doing,
Many factors inside and outside an electric car can impact its actual range, such as:
weight
weather
road conditions
driving behaviour
These factors change across different circumstances, which means that the real-world range will also change. Furthermore, an EV is rarely used until the battery is empty, meaning that the real-world range appears to be lower than the WLTP range.
When calculating your range maps / suitability for the pilot, we worked on an assumption of ‘real range + safety buffer’ being approximately 65% of WLTP. This is something that we will constantly be reviewing as the pilot progresses.
WLTP
WLTP EXPLAINED
The WLTP is a global vehicle testing system that predicts fuel economy, emissions, and electric vehicle range.
The WLTP cycle (WLTC) consists of a series of starts, accelerations, and stops in a controlled environment over a set period of time.
The test is carried out at an ambient temperature of 23°.
The 30-minute cycle is split into 4 phases, named after their respective maximum speeds:
LOW
56.0 km/h Max Speed
25.7 km/h Avg. Speed
9:40 Duration
MEDIUM
76.6 km/h Max Speed
44.5 km/h Avg. Speed
7:12 Duration
HIGH
97.4 km/h Max Speed
60.8 km/h Avg. Speed
7:35 Duration
EXTRA HIGH
131.3 km/h Max Speed
94.0 km/h Avg. Speed
5:23 Duration
The average speed of the cycle is 46.5 km/h.
Early Insights
Intelligent Cruise Control
ONLY USE IN FAIR WEATHER
GWM advise that the cruise control assist system should be used only when driving in good weather and on unobstructed roads.
The cruise control assist system is not recommended for use in urban areas, on winding or narrow roads, wet or slippery surfaces, in heavy rain, or in other inclement weather conditions.
The use of the cruise control assist system is not recommended when driving in hilly terrain, mainly for the following reasons:
When driving uphill or downhill the cruise control assist system may not be able to maintain the set speed.
After the vehicle in front reaches the top or bottom of a hill, the cruise control assist system may not be able to detect it, resulting in sudden acceleration or late braking.
Low Battery Charge Behaviour
WATCH OUT FOR ‘TURTLE MODE’
This came as a surprise, not a good one. When the vehicle gets low on charge it enters an energy-saving mode and the vehicle starts reducing speed, resulting in speeds that are counter-productive to safety on motorways.
We are taking this matter up with GWM.
In light of this experience we suggest that before embarking on your next destination (where there is charging access), make sure that you have at least 100km more range in the vehicle than what the next destination requires.
This will sometimes mean topping-up charge at public fast-charging station.
For those of you who are in areas where ChargeFox does not have adequate coverage, we are working with your accounting team to come up with a suitable solution for you.
Single Pedal Mode
DO NOT USE WHEN ICY OR WET
GWM do not recommend the use of Single Pedal mode when the road is icy or wet.
Also note that Single Pedal mode may turn off or not function in the following situations:
When the battery charge is too high or too low.
When the temperature of the battery is too high or too low.
When the temperature of the drive motor is too high.
When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is activated.
When you switch to another driving mode.
Charging & Range
Additional Km’s Range Added per Hour
BY CAPACITY OF CHARGING UNIT
The figure above illustrate the projected time increase in your vehicle’s range, per hour, according to the type of charging system used.
Note that the relationship is not perfectly linear, the charge time from 80% to 100% takes much longer (more on this later).
The information above gives us a good guide to:
How long we will need to set the charging durations for on your Wallbox.
How long it will take to get an adequate charge at public fast-charging stations.
Take into account that:
it may not be necessary to charge your vehicle all the way up to 80-100% in order to get you back home.
On a long trip, two partial charges are quicker than one long charge.
Eco Mode
NOT SUITABLE FOR 90 KMH + DRIVING
The best mode for saving energy with energy consumption and comfort as the primary objectives. ECO mode is limited to 90km/h so only use it for driving at medium to slow speeds.
For speed zones higher than 90km/h use NORMAL mode.
When selecting ECO mode, use the multi-media screen and the【Vehicle Settings】→【Driving】page to switch the A/C automatic limit function on or off.
You cannot activate ECO mode if you are travelling at 60km/h or over. In any case, we strongly recommend that you only change any settings (apart from the toggle switches) when the vehicle is stationary.
Single Pedal Driving
CAN IMPROVE RANGE
This mode is suitable for all kinds of normal driving. It is flexible, simple, and can significantly improve range.
Please keep in mind that:
You should still be ready to use the brake pedal in an emergency.
Don’t use single pedal mode when the road is icy or wet.
Don’t use single pedal mode for parking.
Once your Ora has stopped in single pedal mode, do not get out of it.
Only activate when the vehicle is stationary and horizontal. Single pedal mode can be turned on and off in 【Vehicle Settings】→ 【Driving】on the multimedia screen.
Air Conditioning
USE SENSIBLY
In the Australian climate, Air Conditioning (A/C) is a valuable tool to reduce driver fatigue. However, the use of A/C or heating can reduce the range of your vehicle. So, the A/C temperature should not be set too cold or too hot; please set an appropriate temperature to reduce energy consumption.
When the power battery charge is low, it is recommended to reduce the use of A/C to increase the range of the vehicle.
Please switch off the A/C as soon as it is not needed.
Wet Weather
CAN REDUCE RANGE 5% TO 10%
Bad weather can impact energy/fuel consumption on both EVs and conventionally powered vehicles by 5% to 10%*. This is because, with the exception of very light drizzle, wet weather increases the rolling resistance between your tyres and the road.
When conditions are wet then we recommend factoring reduced range into your trip planning.
Some people report better fuel consumption figures in wet weather - probably due to them driving to the conditions: lower speed; lower RPM.
Hilly Terrain
CAN REDUCE RANGE 10% to 20%
If the trip is mostly uphill, an average EV with a weight of 2 tons consumes roughly 7 kWh for 1000 meters of altitude (about 2 kWh per 1000 ft). Driving down the hill, some 50%-70% of that energy can be regenerated back.
All in all, compared to a flat terrain, hills reduce the range (in most cases) by about 10%-20%, please factor that into your trip planning.
Windy Conditions
CAN REDUCE RANGE
Windy weather can negatively a vehicle’s aerodynamics, increasing fuel/energy consumption and reducing range.
When conditions are windy then we recommend factoring reduced range into your trip planning.
Vehicle Servicing & Roadside Assistance
1,000 Km / 1-Month
FREE SERVICE
To be conducted at your local GWM dealership at the 1,000km / 1-month. Note that:
This is a safety check.
We will be notifying the dealerships that a diagnostic check on the battery is a requirement.
If there are any other issues that you would like to raise then please notify both Mercurien and the dealerships; it would be great if they could be notified of any issues / concerns before you bring the vehicle in.
Every 15,000 Km / 12-Months
MERCURIEN PAYS FOR SERVICING
Your Ora gets serviced every 15,000 kilometres or every 12-months - whichever comes first.The telematics installed into your vehicle feeds into our software administration system (fleetio) which then alerts us by an automatically generated email, and you (assuming you’ve accepted your invite into the system).
We contact you and arrange the service to be conducted at your local GWM dealership. Do NOT pay for the service yourself, the dealer is to call us and we pay via credit card and then they can release the vehicle to you.
Roadside Assistance
5 YEARS COVERAGE
5-years of GWM Roadside Assistance is part of the package. The number to call is in the upper right hand corner of your front windshield.
1800 335 132
Home Charging Vs Public Charging
Home Charging
GENERALLY LESS EXPENSIVE
Generally less expensive because:
Scheduling control; charging can be scheduled to avoid paying peak tariff prices.
Lower Capex to install the chargers.
Lower Opex to maintain the chargers.
No profit element.
Strip out the Daily Supply Charge (which you pay regardless), and the c/kWh cost can be significantly less than public charging stations.
Public Charging
GENERALLY MORE EXPENSIVE
Generally more expensive because:
Always on; much of the electricity has to be purchased at peak wholesale prices.
Higher Capex to install the chargers.
Higher Opex to maintain the chargers.
Profit element.
Capex, Opex, and profit element (2,3,4,) can add 30c/kWh to the 25-30c/kWh that the provider is paying for their energy (1).
Public Fast Charging Station Etiquette
SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASSOCIATION (AEVA) LTD
EV charging is not like visiting a petrol station. Here are a few things to keep in mind at public chargers:
EV charging offers an opportunity to exercise good manners.
Have a chat with another EV driver.
Pick the charger to suit your plans.
Pick a faster charger if you are just grabbing a takeaway coffee.
Pick a slower charger if you have big shopping plans.
DC chargers are relatively fast while AC charging is slow.
Chargers with multiple plugs will often share available power between multiple users, so use an unoccupied charger if you can to avoid slowing down charging for you and others.
Never park in a charging bay if you are not charging.
It is inconsiderate and fines now apply around Australia.
Move your car as soon as it has finished charging.
Avoid charging above 80% at a DC fast charger unless nobody is waiting and the distance to your next stop requires additional charging.
Others waiting will get increasingly annoyed as your charging slows right down.
EV batteries cannot accept charge as quickly once over 80%.
Charging from 80-100% can take as long as charging from 10-80%.
On a long trip, two partial charges are quicker than one long charge.
If you aren’t in a hurry or your car can’t benefit from a faster charger, pick the slower charger.
The cost of charging generally reflects the speed of charging.
350kW ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers generally cost more than 50kW DC chargers which generally cost more than slower AC charging (typically 7-22kW).
Save money and leave the faster charger for someone who might need it.
Checking in on the PlugShare app is strongly encouraged.
Others will be able to see that the charger is in use and working.
You can get a notification if someone else checks in as ‘waiting to charge’.
If you are waiting to charge, you will get a notification when someone ‘checks out’.
Logging both faults and successful charging helps others to plan.
Consider also installing the NeedToCharge app.
Allows other drivers to send you a message using only your number plate and no other personal details.
Report faults to the relevant charging provider.
Save someone else from wasting their time!
Be tidy.
Always return the charger cable to its dock.
Never leave your rubbish around the charger.
If trickle charging at overnight accommodation:
Offer to pay a nominal amount for your electricity.
Offer to make a PlugShare entry for the accommodation provider and explain how it will attract EV driving guests.
Tyre Repair Kit Instructions
SOURCE: ORA OWNERS MANUAL
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE A TYRE ON YOUR ORA. INSTEAD, CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ON 1800 335 132.
HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE OUT OF MOBILE RANGE, THERE IS A TEMPORARY REPAIR KIT.
NOTICE
The air pump and the tyre repair fluid can only be used to repair sealed tyres with a puncture on the tread.
The ability of the tyre repair fluid to seal tyre walls is limited. If the tyre has large cracks, splits or similar damage, the tyre repair fluid cannot be used to repair the tyre.
The tyre repair fluid cannister must be replaced after use. You should go to an authorised service centre to have it replaced by a qualified professional.
WARNING
If the fluid has expired, replace and dispose of the expired fluid as hazardous waste.
Accidentally consuming tyre repair fluid is harmful to your health. Contact with skin can lead to an allergic reaction. If skin contact occurs, immediately wash the sealant from your skin with water or soapy water.
Tyre repair fluid should be kept out of the reach of children.
Do not stand next to the tyre whilst operating the air pump. If the tyre develops a split or is uneven, the oump must be turned off immediately.
Do not operate the pump for longer than 10 minutes, otherwise there is a risk of overheating.
After using the tyre repair fluid to repair a tyre, do not driver faster than 80 km/h or further than 200 kilometres.
STEP1
If repairing the tyres at a location with vehicles passing, place a warning triangle in an appropriate position and turn on the hazard lights.
If the puncture is due to a nail or similar object, leave the object in the tyre. This helps seal the puncture.
STEP 2
Ensure that the air pump switch is in the off state (0 position) and then take out the power cable and tubing.
STEP 3
Unscrew the cover of the tyre repair liquid air intake. Screw the inflation tube tightly onto the air intake of the tyre repair liquid, and screw the air outlet tube of the tyre repair liquid into the air valve of the tyre.
STEP 4
Plug the power cable into the 12-volt power supply socket and start the vehicle.
STEP 5
Switch the air pump to position I to start the air pump, and inflate the tyre to 240-250 kPa.
STEP 6
Turn off the air pump, remove the power cable from the 12 volt power socket, and disconnect the tyre repair liquid from the air valve of the tyre.
STEP 7
Immediately (within 1 minute) drive at a speed of 20 to 60 km/h for about 5 km, so that the tyre repair fluid seals the tyre evenly.
STEP 8
Connect the pump and read the pressure value on the tyre pressure gauge.
A tyre pressure of less than 130 kPa indicates that the tyre is not fully sealed. You cannot continue driving at this time, please contact an authorised service centre as quickly as possible.
If the tyre pressure exceeds 130 kPa, the tyre should be inflated to the tyre pressure indicated on the tyre pressure sticker.
STEP 9
Turn off the air pump, disconnect the inflation tube and power cable, and fit the tyre air valve dust cover.
Then, as soon as it’s convenient, use your Fleetio Go app to contact Mercurien to arrange a replacement tyre and new tyre repair kit.