Victorian car fleets invited to trial electric vehicles
Victorian businesses are being invited to register their interest in trialling electric vehicles in their car fleets.
Minister for Transport Terry Mulder said the opportunity is being offered as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $5 million Electric Vehicle Trial.
“Today we’re calling on corporate fleet operators, car-hire and car-share operators, and event organisers to try an electric vehicle and tell us about their experiences,” Mr Mulder said.
“This information will highlight the opportunities and issues for making the transition to electric vehicles part of Victoria’s transport future.”
Mr Mulder said the trial was particularly seeking interest from organisations which could help engage Victorian businesses and the community on the topic of electric vehicles.
“This is a great chance for Victorian companies to test electric vehicles in their businesses without having to purchase the new technology upfront,” Mr Mulder said.
“They will gain insights into how electric vehicles work, which will help them plan how they might incorporate the technology into their business in the future.”
Consumer and industry interest in electric vehicles has gained momentum since the Electric Vehicle Trial in late 2010.
To date, it has brought together more than 70 organisations, 120 Victorian households and 3,500 newsletter subscribers to help increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of electric vehicles in Victoria.
Around 25 corporate fleets have already participated in the Electric Vehicle Trial including AGL, Bosch, City of Kingston, RACV and Melbourne Airport.
Mr Mulder said that fleet operators are a key player in developing an electric vehicle market, and their participation in the trial is vital.
“Partnering with organisations that provide cars for large groups of people will give more Victorians an opportunity to test-drive this exciting new technology,” Mr Mulder said.
“It will give more people the chance to experience electric vehicles first-hand, which will generate word-of-mouth and increase overall awareness and understanding in the community.”
The online application process is available at www.transport.vic.gov.au. Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm on Wednesday 31 October 2012.
Companies can apply for one or more electric vehicles. Vehicles will be provided to successful organisations for a period of one year by the end of 2012, once commercial agreements are completed and charging facilities are installed.
The Electric Vehicle Trial will run until mid-2014, and will help to gain a better understanding of the timelines, processes and barriers for introducing electric vehicle technology to Victoria.
