Singapore Jumpstarting Electric Vehicles

August 17th, 2009 by Zachary Shahan

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Singapore will be testbedding electric vehicles starting next year. A task-force of its leading organizations and agencies related to electric vehicles will conduct extensive work identifying the needs and possibilities of these vehicles.

The task-force is chaired by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). It will also include the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the National Environment Agency (NEA). The testbed will also include any auto or technology companies who are interested in the matter.

In a press release sent out earlier this year, Singapore government states that the goal of the testbed is “to examine infrastructure requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as to identify industry and R&D opportunities.”

The Singapore government is putting in $20 million for infrastructure development and testbedding of electric vehicles as part of this program.

Singapore seems like a perfect place for testbedding of electric vehicles. As the Chief Executive of their Energy Market Authority, Lawrence Wong, states: “Electric vehicles are an exciting new area for both the energy and transport sectors. Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs because of our compact urban environment, and robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure. The test bed will provide an open platform for companies to test out different EV prototypes and charging technologies.”

Chairman of the A*STAR Science and Engineering Research Council, Charles Zukoski, states: “A*STAR is excited to work with companies in creating the next generation technologies that will transform the transportation system through electrification…. The participating companies benefit from access to top research talent and a place to demonstrate their technologies and their business models. Singapore will benefit from more efficient energy usage and the commercial impact of the companies locating their research and demonstration projects here.”

Companies already signed up for the testbedding program through a Memorandum of Understanding include Renault-Nissan and Keppel Energy. The press release put out by the Singapore government states: “Renault-Nissan will supply EVs to the Singapore market and share its knowledge of EVs to develop common standards, while Keppel Energy will focus on developing charging stations and other infrastructure to support the test-bedding of EVs.” The taskforce and these companies are working to get the first vehicles on the road in 2010.

The program is anticipated to be a great benefit to companies and countries all around the world, but especially for those involved in the testbedding. The program is intended to go from 2010 to 2012.

For more on the electric vehicle testbedding program in Singapore, read this press release.

Image credit: ImipolexG via flickr under a Creative Commons license









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