ELECTRIC VEHICLES
New taskforce to look at introducing them in Singapore
A MULTI-AGENCY taskforce has been set up to lead tests and research into the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore from next year.
Some $20 million has been set aside to get the Republic plugged into such vehicles. The programme is expected to last until 2012 and based on the results gathered, the taskforce will evaluate the scope for large-scale adoption of EVs in future.
The taskforce, to be chaired by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), will see the involvement of different ministries and statutory boards, including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the Economic Development Board, and the National Environment Agency.
Also involved will be key industry players such as auto manufacturers and technology companies, who will be able to help examine infrastructure requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as to identify industry and research and development (R&D) opportunities.
Mr Lawrence Wong, chief executive of EMA said Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs because of its compact urban environment and robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure.
He added that the EV test bed will also provide a platform for companies to gauge different vehicle prototypes and charging technologies, allowing EV owners to sell unused power back to the Republic's electricity grid.
"In particular, if EVs are able to provide power to the grid during peak periods, and draw power from the grid during off-peak periods, they will help to level the demand (load) on the grid, thereby enabling our power system to operate more efficiently," said the EMA head.
The EV test-bed offers potential economic benefits for manufacturing and R&D in areas such as battery technology, power electronics and electric drive systems, which could generate new and high-value investments.
So far, two groups — Renault-Nissan and Keppel Energy — have signed a memorandum of understanding with the EV taskforce. Renault-Nissan will supply EVs to the Singapore market and share its knowledge of such vehicles to develop common standards, while Keppel Energy will focus on developing charging stations and other infrastructure to support the test-bedding of EVs.
In January, the LTA gave approval for a new electric scooter to be brought to Singapore by local company Zeco Scooters.
CHANNEL NEWSASIA
One of Renault-Nissan's Electric vehicles.
RENAULT-NISSAN
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From TODAY, News – Thursday, 07-May-2009
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