International uptake of EVs on the rise
Mon 16 February 2009
View all news
The drive to an electric future continues to gather pace with announcements from across the sector directed towards implementing electric vehicles. Companies ranging from Kia and Tata to prestigious designers Pininfarina have all recently showcased electric car offerings as have several motorcycle manufacturers. Additionally, companies such a Piaggio and Porsche have recently announced a hybrid vehicle, a strategic stepping stone to electric vehicles, and a platform for developing EV drivetrains.
Governments are beginning to act including:
In the US, the recently passed stimulus bill announced major new funding for plug-in vehicles, including $600m for federal procurement of plug-in and alternative fuel vehicles, $400m for state procurements of acquisition of alternative fueled vehicles or fuel cell vehicles - from EV police bikes to hybrid buses - and a $1bn advanced battery loan guarantee scheme. This follows President Barack Obama's plans for 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015. It also includes a temporary loan guarantee program for rapid deployment of ‘leading edge transportation biofuels’.
Ireland’s Government has set a target to deploy around 250,000 EV in the coming 12 years, representing 10% of all vehicles. The Electric Vehicles plan includes a national task force to oversee deployment of consumer education and tax incentives.
In Denmark, Project Better Place has teamed up with Dong Energy and secured approximately €103 million Euro in equity and convertible debt for the initial deployment of their electric car charging network . The network will consist of around 100 stations where drivers of electric vehicles can swap out or top up their depleted batteries. Drivers will pay for a subscription system based on the number of kilometres driven (measured by GPS satellite tracking).
In Sweden, fast food giant McDonalds plans to roll out recharging points at its outlets.
In Korea the government has announced plans to invest around £2.7Bn, over the next four years to develop a green-energy development policy. At a press conference for the announcement, vice energy minister Ahn Chul-shik said the project would "be led by the country's major companies like Samsung, Hyundai and LG," which are already involved with developing electric automobiles and their power sources. With partnerships between companies such as GM and LG already in place this is expected to accelerate the pace of vehicle development and commercialisation.
Hong Kong is renewing the tax break for electric vehicles for a further 5 years, and will study the feasibility of providing recharging facilities in public multi-storey car parks and explore ways of encouraging the business sector, including property developers and private car park operators, to set up such facilities.
The supply chain is readying its capabilities to support the new industry too. Notably, Ricardo has announced the launch of their Battery Systems Development Centre at its headquarters in the USA whilst companies such as Mitsubishi and Bolloré are competing to secure rich lithium deposits in Bolivia.
Related Links
< Back to news list