Singapore: Gov't to set aside $20M to support electric vehicle test bedding

A multi-agency task force chaired by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), will be tasked with spearheading the test-bedding of electric vehicles here.

This task force will consist of members across different ministries and statutory boards, including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the National Environment Agency (NEA).

The EV test-bedding programme will involve key industry players to examine infrastructure requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as to identify industry and R&D opportunities.

The test-bedding project will be open to all auto manufacturers and technology companies interested in shaping the future of electric transport.

Based on the results of the pilot, the task force will then evaluate the scope for larger scale adoption of EVs in future, as the technology matures.

EMA's Chief Executive, Mr. Lawrence Wong, stated that "electric vehicles are an exciting new area for both the energy and transport sectors," and that "Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs because of our compact urban environment, and robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure."

He continued: "The test bed will provide an open platform for companies to test out different EV prototypes and charging technologies...we would like to do more research in the concept of vehicle-to-grid power."

Mr Yam Ah Mee, LTA's Chief Executive, felt that "electric vehicles are a new urban transport solution that offers great potential for the development of industry...the research and development around electric vehicles is well aligned with our Singapore Urban Transport Solutions (STARS) framework launched last year."

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 task force will work closely with these industry partners to prepare for the first batch of EVs on Singapore roads by 2010.

The EV test-bed is expected to run for three years, between 2010 and 2012, and will also serve as a platform for companies to experiment and adapt innovative solutions for use in other countries.

Credits: JRC