Electric Vehicle Trial - Victoria

Post by **Tim** » Fri, 15 Jan 2010, 20:03

From the Minister for Roads & Ports
Thursday, 14 January 2010

Electric car developers will get the opportunity to test the practicality of their vehicles as part of a trial to develop the cars of the future, launched today by the Brumby Labor Government.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the five-year electric vehicle trial was part of the Government’s $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and would help to find new ways of making electric cars more efficient and practical for Victorian families and roads.

“The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system and we understand how important innovative, sustainable and accessible travel options are to Victorians,” Mr Pallas said.

“We are planning for the future and a vital part of that is the development of low-emission transport options.

“Victorians are looking for new ways to cut their carbon emissions and this trial will identify whether or not electric cars powered by renewable energy are a practical alternative to petrol and diesel powered transport.

“There is no doubt that electric cars have the potential to be a major part of travel on our roads well into the future.”

The Government has issued an Invitation to Participate to electric vehicle providers, private and government fleets, recharge infrastructure providers, electricity suppliers, distributors and retailers and those able to help collect data for the trial.

Mr Pallas said the Brumby Labor government aimed to have around 30 electric vehicles during the five-year trial as long as they meet the requirements to operate on Victorian roads.

“The trial could include vehicles converted to be powered by electricity or new, purpose-built vehicles,” he said.

“Victorian families will also be given the opportunity to operate the approved electric cars via a ballot conducted by the RACV next year.”

Interested organisations and individuals can find more information about the trial at www.transport.vic.gov.au . Submissions close on 26 March 2010.

Direct link to VicRoads page

Tim.

Post by **Johny** » Fri, 15 Jan 2010, 20:22

Are you planning on moving over here soon Tim?

Post by **moemoke** » Thu, 21 Jan 2010, 19:20

Wow, a bit of forward thinking by the Vic Government, unbelievable.
Shame about this bit on page 16 of 'The invitation to Participate'

'Households or individuals interested in operating an
electric vehicle as part of the trial need take no action
in response to this Invitation to Participate. Further details
about how to take part in the RACV ballot will be released
in the second quarter of 2010.'

But it's still a stepin the right direction.

Post by **Carv'n Marv'n** » Tue, 02 Feb 2010, 18:57

...grants of up to $5million available through this program.

Post by **Carv'n Marv'n** » Thu, 25 Mar 2010, 14:47

Did anyone else lodge an application???

Post by **Taffy** » Thu, 25 Mar 2010, 17:28

I am waiting on the application to participate in the trial. Any news on there progress?