Press release

Government moves forward with plans for electric vehicles - Historic deal will transform Irish transport

3rd April 2009: "Government moves forward with plans for electric vehicles - Historic deal will transform Irish transport - Electric vehicles moving from vision to reality" - Minister Ryan.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today announced a major move in the electrification Irish motoring.

In a hugely significant and new collaboration between Government, between the semi-state electricity supplier ESB and between car manufacturer Renault-Nissan, these electric vehicles will be on Irish roads within 2 years.

"This historic agreement", said Minister Ryan "is proof of Government's firm intention to act on the electrification of transport.

Some months ago, I announced the Government electric vehicles target of 10% by 2020. Today's Memorandum of Understanding will help us not only realise, but surpass this target.

We are well on our way and our streets will see the change very shortly".

The Memoranda of Understanding (signed by Minister Ryan on behalf of the Government) and by Padraig McManus (for ESB) will create favourable conditions for the distribution of electric vehicles to the Irish market by Renault-Nissan.

"In November, we sent a call to the market that Ireland was 'open for business' with electric cars. Our call has been answered by Renault-Nissan and I'd like to welcome them to the Irish market with this new product. Today we sign, what I hope will be the first of many agreements with interested companies".

The Irish Government's intentions are not product-exclusive.

"Today's initiative will transform our streets, will cut carbon emissions and change the face of transport in Ireland," said Minister Ryan. "Again we see the ESB stepping up to the plate to secure Ireland's future and I commend them for their vision and work in this regard. This collaboration will provide the world with a model for how electric vehicles can be achieved globally. We will continue to press ahead".

ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus described today's development as an "an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate its leadership in the green revolution, including in electric transport".

"ESB has set out its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2035 and carbon-neutral electricity will power an emissions-free transport system. ESB will roll out a charging network to support the development. We will guarantee open access to all electricity suppliers and car manufacturers and can ensure adherence to the strictest safety standards for the recharging points. The roll-out of electric vehicles will provide major employment opportunities in a number of areas", he said.

Speaking at today's announcement, Andrew Palmer, Corporate Vice President, Nissan Motor Company, said the Renault-Nissan alliance looks forward to a successful partnership with Ireland.

"We regard Ireland as a leader in the EV project. Demography and political support make Ireland one of the most suitable locations for a large scale roll out of electric vehicles. Renault and Nissan are particularly pleased to be working with the Irish Government and ESB in putting in place the correct conditions to support electric transport".

Ends

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