Renault-Nissan Alliance announces partnership with Singapore government for zero-emission mobility

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in the presence of Lawrence Wong, CE of EMA, Dr Beh Swan Gin, MD of EDB (Economic Development Board), Yam Ah Mee, CE of LTA (Land Transport Authority) and Thierry Koskas, Renault Electric Vehicles Programme Director, the organisations have agreed to set up working team of representatives to promote the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles in Singapore.

"EV development is an exciting new area particularly relevant to the Singapore context. Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs due to our relative small size, urban environment, robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure," said Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, EMA.

"Renault and Nissan aim to become leading brands in zero emission vehicles. Singapore is for us a key priority, as the geography of the country and the focus on environmental issues provide ideal ground for the fast development of electric cars," said Thierry Koskas Renault Electric Vehicles Programme Director. "We are looking forward to working closely with all partners involved to make this project successful."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong.

In the United States, the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an EV infrastructure in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, and Tucson, Phoenix Arizona, Seattle in Washington and Raleigh in North Carolina.

The Alliance has formed partnerships with 26 governments, cities and other organisations to advance the introduction of EVs worldwide.

[B]EV Taskforce[/B]

To spearhead Electric Vehicle (EV) test-bedding and infrastructure development in Singapore, a multi-agency taskforce chaired by Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been set up with members comprising the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Economic Development Board (EDB), National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

The EV task force was set up to assess the benefits and applicability of adopting EVs in Singapore. It will draw up the overall plan of EV test-bedding and evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits, with a view of a potentially larger scale adoption of EVs in future.

The taskforce will work with key industry players to examine infrastructural needs, policy requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as identify industry development and R&D opportunities. It will also look into educating the public on EV technology though a nationwide EV sharing programme or through corporate fleets.

The task force will set aside funding for interested parties to develop infrastructure and buy electric vehicle during the testing process.

[B]Energy Market Authority[/B]

Energy Market Authority (EMA) was formed on 1 April 2001 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to forge a secure, long-term electricity industry that thrives on healthy competition.

New market structures have been created to promote competition in the electricity and gas industries. EMA will also continue to promote cost-competitive outcomes for consumers by ensuring a level playing field for competition within the electricity and gas industry.

As co-chair of the EV Taskforce, EMA endeavours to establish strategic partners for testing, identifying power grid regulation/licensing for EV charging systems and developing relevant codes and standards.

[B]Land Transport Authority[/B]

Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. LTA plans the long-term transport needs and spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. While serving commuters by providing an integrated and user-friendly transport system, LTA addresses wider issues such as sustainable development, economic growth, and community life.

As a co-chair of the EV Taskforce, LTA helps ensure that relevant regulations, standards and infrastructure are in place. LTA looks forward to working with leading companies such as the Renault-Nissan Alliance to develop innovative transport solutions, and making Singapore's transport system greener, cleaner, and more people-centred.

[B]Economic Development Board[/B]

EDB is the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore's position as a global business centre and grow the Singapore economy. In so doing, they attract economic opportunities and jobs for the people of Singapore, and help shape the country's economic future.

EDB's role in the MOU is to work with industry partners such as the Renault-Nissan Alliance to identify industry development opportunities such as manufacturing and R&D. The MOU is aligned with EDB's positioning of Singapore as a "Living Laboratory" where leading-edge urban mobility solutions, such as electric vehicles, are tested, developed and exported to the rest of the world.

Credits: JRC