The state government has launched Western Australia's first large-scale electric vehicle trial with 10 electric cars to be trialled for two years by government departments, local government authorities and private sector organisations.
The state government has launched Western Australia's first large-scale electric vehicle trial with 10 electric cars to be trialled for two years by government departments, local government authorities and private sector organisations.
Transport Minister Simon O'Brien and Environment Minister Donna Faragher launched the trial this morning at The University of Western Australia which will also test Australia's first integrated electric vehicle recharging network, to be established in Perth later this year as part of a separate research project led by UWA, and identify what infrastructure would be required for electric vehicles into the future.
Mr O'Brien said today's announcement was timely given it was only last week that the Government agreed to buy 650 state-of-the-art buses.
"The vehicle trial will test the fleet capabilities of the electric vehicles and enable participants to identify and address a range of practical issues associated with the introduction of this new transport technology," he said in a statement.
"The electric car trial, if successful, will add another dynamic to both government and private industry as they consider their own future vehicle fleets."
Ms Faragher said Perth was an ideal location for Australia's first electric vehicle trial.
"Perth is one of the most challenging metropolitan environments in Australia for electric vehicles with our large geographic area and long commuting distances," Mrs Faragher said.
Full announcement below:
State Government launches electric car fleet trial
Portfolio: Transport, Environment
The State Government is again demonstrating its commitment to exploring clean, green transport alternatives with Transport Minister Simon O'Brien and Environment Minister Donna Faragher today launching Western Australia's first large-scale electric vehicle trial.
Mr O'Brien said 10 electric cars would be trialled as regular fleet vehicles for two years by State Government departments, local government authorities and private sector organisations.
"The vehicle trial will test the fleet capabilities of the electric vehicles and enable participants to identify and address a range of practical issues associated with the introduction of this new transport technology," he said.
"The electric car trial, if successful, will add another dynamic to both government and private industry as they consider their own future vehicle fleets."
Mr O'Brien said the trial would also test Australia's first integrated electric vehicle recharging network, to be established in Perth later this year as part of a separate research project led by The University of Western Australia, and identify what infrastructure would be required for electric vehicles into the future.
"This part of the project, which is also supported by the State Government, will allow us to collect and evaluate data on electric vehicle charging behaviour so that power and grid capacity requirements for the next decade can be determined."
Ms Faragher said Perth was an ideal location for Australia's first electric vehicle trial.
"Perth is one of the most challenging metropolitan environments in Australia for electric vehicles with our large geographic area and long commuting distances," Mrs Faragher said.
Mr O'Brien said today's announcement was timely given it was only last week that the Government agreed to buy 650 state-of-the-art buses.
"The Government will consider more environmentally-friendly buses, such as the latest Euro5 diesel systems, more compressed natural gas vehicles and hybrid technology when it is proven," he said.
