Going electric - how viable for Malta?

The viability of electric cars in Malta is the theme of the NSTF - Malta Students Science Forum, being held on Friday at 5.30 p.m. at the NSTF in Valletta

The number of cars and heavy vehicles on Maltese roads is not aiding the preservation of our environment. The pollution produced through these vehicles both as noise pollution and air pollution can definitely be avoided through the better use of one's resources.

Furthermore, more cars means the production of fuel which in turn means the need of more oil, which is not a finite resource but its consumption far exceeds its natural production. The answer to this is electric vehicles.

Electricity still needs to be produced to provide for such vehicles. However, it limits the stages of pollution since the only pollution would be that of the power station, thus eliminating the pollution produced when the fuel is burnt in the vehicle.

Electricity may also be produced in a sustainable manner using wind energy, solar energy, etc.

Electric vehicles do not seem to have gained much popularity as yet, possibly due to the image of an electrically recharged vehicle and its price when compared to what we may define as a 'normal' vehicle.

An electric vehicle also pushes for a form of cultural change. You no longer fill up the fuel tank when necessary but must think ahead on what errands the car will be used for the following day to make sure that it is adequately charged.

Probably the most viable use of electric vehicles is for professional activities within the different localities, as has been proved in Italy. Electric vehicles may be used in a number of professions, like rubbish collecting, post collecting, public transport, transporting of varying materials, etc.

In most of these cases, at present, large vehicles, which use diesel as a fuel, are used. Can you imagine the difference in the impact on our environment by replacing these vehicles with electric ones?

Piaggio's experience is that electric vehicles for such usage are already present in over a hundred localities in Italy, with over 250 vehicles in Reggio Emilia alone used on specific routes.

One problem which producers of electric vehicles are faced with is the lifespan of a charged battery. In plain terms: how far will my vehicle get me? For how many hours will I be able to use my car without having to recharge the battery?

Once again, Piaggio's experience in this respect is that, once the battery is charged, a minivan will take you over 100 km. A complete charge takes place in eight hours, with a common charger of 220V to 3kW, or in just two hours with a superior re-charging system.

However, you can re-charge or add to the charge at any time without waiting for the whole charge to be used up.

In Europe, 75 per cent of movements from one place to another is below 50 km in a day, according to a Piaggio study in 1998.

Therefore, electric vehicles are definitely viable, although still rather high priced due to the batteries and the low production due to lack of/limited market for such vehicles.

However according to statistics mentioned by engineer Paolo Di Dionisio from Piaggio during the Mobility Conference Exhibition 2003 in Milan last January, electric vehicles only consume €0,03/km and maintenance costs 18 per cent less than 'normal' vehicles.

Furthermore in Italy the state subsidises the buying of electric vehicles for private use and public entities and agencies which provide public services.

A maximum velocity of 60 km/h, a fully charged battery which would provide for 100 km of travelling. There is an absence of vibration, the drive is comfortable, there is no sound and air pollution, and the electric vehicle is easy to maintain, which definitely make it a good option, particularly for an island the size of Malta.

The first electric vehicle to be introduced to Malta is from the Reva Electric Car Company and was brought over in 2002. Substituting a large number of heavy 'normal' vehicles is definitely an option, which is worth looking into.

Like in Italy, the Maltese government should encourage the use of electric vehicles as part of a programme to safeguard our environment, firstly by setting a good example and secondly by providing a number of privileges for those who actually bother about their environment and give thought to buying environmentally friendly mechanisms, be it an electric vehicle or solar heating!

The NSTF - Malta Students Science Forum is being held in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Scientists, with the support of Air Malta and the Italian Cultural Institute. The topic is:

In view of the current Middle East and Iraqi crises that have resulted in escalating prices for petrol at the pumps, just to name one of the consequences, would the use of the electric car in Malta provide an efficient means of transport, as well as reduce sufficiently our dependence on such a traditional energy resource?

Engineer Di Dionisio from Piaggio is the keynote speaker.