Call for electric transport master plan

More electric cars could soon be taking to the roads after the government yesterday issued a call for a master plan for the introduction of electric transportation in Malta amid a drive to reduce harmful emissions on the roads.

Interested parties have been given up to December 23 to submit a detailed plan.

Steered by Environment Minister George Pullicino, the introduction of electric transportation could lead to the reduction of exhaust gas emissions harmful to people and architectural heritage.

The Government Gazette published yesterday said that the introduction of electric vehicles will be encouraged in the following sectors: private cars, rental vehicles for tourists, park-and-ride projects and vehicles for use within industrial areas.

Each sector could be established as a stand-alone project, however integration would be more cost effective by sharing necessary infrastructure. The existing industrial application of industrial electric transport would also benefit from such infrastructure.

Special installations are required for the viability of electric vehicles. These include re-charging points, repair and maintenance stations with personnel trained to service electric vehicles and a battery centre to service, assemble and recycle batteries.

The master plan is to include a market assessment for the potential demand for using electric vehicles in Malta and to choose the most suitable technology for local purposes.

Those tendering have to evaluate the various energy sources available for vehicles, including the cost of fuels and electricity.

A study needs to be carried out on the impact of additional electricity generation on pollution, particularly if fossil fuels will be the source of this energy.

The government is trying to lead by example and a tender has been awarded to replace a number of its cars with electric ones.

During his budget speech on Wednesday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that with effect from January 1, the government would pay back an amount equivalent to 15.2 per cent of the value of the car, up to Lm500. Last year, the government also eliminated the registration tax on electric cars.

There are only 10 electric cars on the roads at the moment but Mr Pullicino is determined to drive his message home that electric cars are beneficial to both user and the environment.

"In the case of Malta especially, electric cars make perfect sense. They're safe, environment friendly, silent and, above all, they're cost effective," Mr Pullicino said, adding that he envisaged that users could save up to Lm300 a year.

Mr Pullicino said, when contacted, that he would like to see the master plan project get off the ground by 2006.