Ireland plans electric car future

The Irish Government is to position Ireland as a European leader in electric transport.

A three-way coalition has been formed between the Government, the ESB (Ireland's largest electricity utility,) and the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Taxpayer funding will provide a 5,000 euro incentive for electric vehicles, which will be exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan detailed the ambitious plans.

"The Irish Government's target is for 10% of Ireland's vehicles to be electric by 2020.

"Today's Agreement with Nissan-Renault will see 2,000 cars on Irish roads by 2011."

Under the agreement, ESB will roll out 3,500 charge points nationwide by December 2011.

The rollout has already begun in Dublin and charging points will also be installed in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick.

ESB also plans to install 30 fast charge points across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine expected to be set up by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Nissan will supply its all-electric, five-seater LEAF hatchback to Ireland early next year while Renault will follow with its light commercial electric vehicle, Kangoo Z.E.

By the end of 2011, Renault will also supply 100 pre-production Fluence Z.E.s for a pilot project in the Emerald Isle.

Source: Indiacar.com Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (4/14/2010)