Victorian EV Trial

ELECTRIC VEHICLES HIT VICTORIAN STREETS FOR UNIQUE TRIAL

From the Premier, Wednesday, 06 October 2010

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/12136.html

Premier John Brumby today launched Victoria’s groundbreaking Electric
Vehicle Trial, with more than 50 organisations and 180 households
across the state to participate in the five-year trial.

Mr Brumby was joined by Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas to
announce details of a world-leading trial and encouraged Victorians to
go electric and apply to take part through an RACV online ballot.

“Today Victoria is a step close to an electric vehicle future, with
the start of a $5 million trial to make it easier for people to choose
electric cars and bikes as more options become available,” Mr Brumby
said.

“Our Government is committed to making this state an electric vehicle
friendly place and we understand how important cleaner, greener and
innovative travel options are to Victorians.

“The Electric Vehicle Trial will create real-life conditions by
testing how drivers, vehicles, plug-in charging infrastructure and the
electricity network will work in everyday situations.

“This is a real-world test of how these vehicles will operate in
Victoria and that means we need Victorians to use electric vehicles
and report back on their experiences.

“This is an exciting opportunity for people to be part of the
development of low-emission transport options as we look for new ways
to cut carbon emissions and provide greener travel.”

Mr Brumby said all the vehicles in the Electric Vehicle Trial would
run on AGL GreenPower, which is 100 per cent renewable energy.

“Most of the vehicles will be small passenger cars. Some electric
light commercial vehicles will be used in freight fleets, while
electric two-wheelers will also be tested,” he said.

“As part of the trial, charging points will be installed in homes of
participants and in workplaces. Public quick charging points will also
be set up for when an electric vehicle needs a top-up.”

About 60 vehicles will be used in the trial and they have been
provided by Blade Electric Vehicles, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan and
EDay Life. Public charging infrastructure will be supplied by Better
Place, ECOtality and ChargePoint.

Mr Pallas said the trial was about finding new ways of making electric
cars more efficient and practical for Victorian families and roads.

“The vehicles will rotate between households and fleets for three
months at a time, with the trial to look at their experiences and what
type of charging infrastructure is needed,” he said.

“We will provide the vehicle charging point and pay for insurance,
while the households will pay the cost of electricity, which will be
less than you would pay for petrol.”

Applications to participate in the trial can only be made online
through the RACV website at www.racv.com.au and opens today. A valid
Victorian driver’s licence is required.