Exploring solar-powered EV charging networks

By October 14th, 2025

Project overview

Project title

Exploring solar-powered EV charging networks: enhancing coverage, energy security, and privacy.

Project description

This project explores strategies for developing a solar-powered EV charging network that ensures comprehensive coverage across urban and remote regions in Australia. The expected outcome is to enhance energy security, mitigate range anxiety, and protect user data, by leveraging AI-driven data analytics and privacy-preserving mechanisms. The project will potentially provide insights into the feasibility and design of a scalable and sustainable EV charging solution in Australia.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisorKaiwen Sun
Name of universityUniversity of New South Wales
Email addresskaiwen.sun@unsw.edu.au
FacultyFaculty of Engineering

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisorWei Shao
Ejaz Ahmed
Email addresswei.shao@data61.csiro.au
ejaz.ahmed@data61.csiro.au
CSIRO Research UnitData61

Industry

Name of industry supervisorEric Li
Name of business/organisationUmax Energy
Email addresseric@umaxenergy.com 

Further details

Primary location of studentUniversity of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
Industry engagement component locationUmax Energy, Building L, 61-65 Roberts Road, Greenacre NSW 2190, Australia
Other locationsCSIRO Clayton, Research Way, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
Ideal student skillsetEssential skills

Background/qualifications in physics, engineering (electrical engineering, photovoltaic engineering).

Background in machine learning and data analytics.

Understanding of renewable energy systems and smart grid technologies.

Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and data privacy frameworks.  

Desirable skills

Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or MATLAB.

Prior experience in working with energy forecasting models.

Strong communication and project management skills.
Application close dateOpen until position filled
ApplyUNSW