Thursday, October 07, 2010

Victorians to trial electric cars

Victoria's groundbreaking $5 million trial of electric vehicles is now underway.

An RACV online ballot for community participation is now open for applications.

The trial is seeking 180 households to try out an electric vehicle for three months. To apply, you'll need a valid Victorian driver licence.

Those taking part in the trial will report back on their experience.

It will look at drivers' experiences in Victoria's diverse network, and help the government plan the types of charging infrastructure that will be needed and in which locations

The trial will provide the vehicle charging point and pay for insurance; the household will pay the cost of electricity, which will be less than they would pay for petrol.

Around 60 vehicles, provided by Blade Electric Vehicles, EDay Life, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota, will be used in the trial. Most of the vehicles will be small passenger cars.

Some electric light commercial vehicles will be used in freight fleets. Electric two-wheelers that are currently being used in fleets will also be tested.

More than 50 companies, organisations and universities will participate in the trial.

This trial will help establish Victoria as an electric vehicle-friendly place.

Visit the Department of Transport website to find out more this and other projects that are part of the State Government's $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.

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