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New report urges more work on electric cars

Thursday, 04 June 2009

More ambitious targets are required to foster greater use of electric vehicles and cut Ireland’s transport-related carbon emissions, according to a new report. Compiled by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, ‘Drive For Zero: Electric Vehicles Are A Winning Proposition’ recommends that the future development of a national electric vehicle project should not be limited to any single supplier of electric vehicles, electricity or supporting infrastructure. Committee member and author of the report, Deputy Simon Coveney, said: “The committee believes that much more ambitious targets need to be set within a shorter time frame than is currently envisaged; the electric vehicle project can and should be advanced in a more dynamic manner. A fully costed strategic roadmap for Ireland to become a global research laboratory for the deployment of new battery and electric vehicle technologies should be in place within six months.” He added: “It is both feasible and realistic to set and meet a target whereby all new cars on sale by 2020 would be powered by electric engines, with at least 350,000 electric cars in use by 2020.” Among the report’s key recommendations are the appointment of full-time international expert to drive the project and an assessment, based on international best practice, of the most efficient tax and incentive package that may be required to accelerate the rapid deployment of battery electric vehicle technologies on the island of Ireland. According to the report, as forecast emissions by 2020 from passenger cars is some 8.1 million tonnes, the proposal set out is potentially the single largest greenhouse gas emission reduction measure currently under consideration. “We urge the Government to position Ireland as a leader in terms of facilitating rapid deployment of battery electric vehicles,” Deputy Coveney added. “To do this it is necessary to work with multiple partners and to set a target that all private combustion vehicles will be electric vehicles by 2030. “Such a signal will seek to convince the motor industry and investors of the seriousness of our intent. Ireland has the potential to become a global Centre of Excellence for Electric Vehicle development if the correct strategy is adopted.”