World's largest electric car trial launched in UK

6/24/2009 11:15:03 AM

The UK government has unveiled plans to conduct the world's most significant trial of environmentally-friendly vehicles to date.

Eight locations will take part in the £25 million transportation scheme, which is designed to accelerate the introduction of electric cars and reduce carbon emissions.

Around 340 vehicles will be tested by members of the public, while power companies, regional development agencies and universities will participate in the project by offering support and analysis.

"Here's an opportunity to position the UK as a world leader in the adoption of this technology by supporting the largest ever trial of such vehicles," commented science minister Paul Drayson.

"That encourages companies working in this field to do their research and development here. That knowledge generated by the trial then gets fed back to the follow-on systems that come through."

Figures released by the UK Department of Transport illustrate the continuing need for transport solutions which cater for the individual rather than the collective, with 43 per cent of infrequent or non-bus users saying that the ease and convenience of car travel is the main reason for them not using buses more often.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jun/23/uk-elec...
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Discussion Replies
David Lockie wrote: Figures released by the UK Department of Transport illustrate the continuing need for transport solutions which cater for the individual rather than the collective, with 43 per cent of infrequent or non-bus users saying that the ease and convenience of car travel is the main reason for them not using buses more often. We have had woeful investment in public transport for decades. The statistics showing that ease and convenience of car travel are the main reason for not using buses is surely a confirmation of that under-investment rather than a sign that private transport is the only solution? I've long suspected that the DoT, road builders and car makers have too cosy a relationship and this kind of ridiculous conclusion does nothing to dispel that suspicion. Whilst I'm not against electric cars, it should be well realised that it is impossible to replace our existing private transport fleet - whether simply with newer more efficient cars or with electric versions. There simply aren't enough raw materials - e.g. Bolivia's Lithium dilemma . Effective and efficient public transport - maybe even new forms of 'smart' public transport or car-sharing facilitated by the web - is the only solution to the world's transport challenges. Sure, there will always be the need for some private transport, and EVs seem a good bet - but let's not kid ourselves that the whole world will be driving them.
Far Offshore Renewables wrote: David has mentioned the achilles heel of electric transport - the raw material supplies. So while electric cars might gain a foothold in the UK, it will be impossible to go 100%. And what do lorries, buses and the 'van' fleet use? Being very biased, I believe hydrogen is the way to go......... and several outfits such as birmingham university also feel the same way. A multi-lateral way is the only forward.

Discussion Replies

David Lockie wrote:

Figures released by the UK Department of Transport illustrate the continuing need for transport solutions which cater for the individual rather than the collective, with 43 per cent of infrequent or non-bus users saying that the ease and convenience of car travel is the main reason for them not using buses more often.

We have had woeful investment in public transport for decades. The statistics showing that ease and convenience of car travel are the main reason for not using buses is surely a confirmation of that under-investment rather than a sign that private transport is the only solution?

I've long suspected that the DoT, road builders and car makers have too cosy a relationship and this kind of ridiculous conclusion does nothing to dispel that suspicion.

Whilst I'm not against electric cars, it should be well realised that it is impossible to replace our existing private transport fleet - whether simply with newer more efficient cars or with electric versions. There simply aren't enough raw materials - e.g. Bolivia's Lithium dilemma .

Effective and efficient public transport - maybe even new forms of 'smart' public transport or car-sharing facilitated by the web - is the only solution to the world's transport challenges. Sure, there will always be the need for some private transport, and EVs seem a good bet - but let's not kid ourselves that the whole world will be driving them.

Far Offshore Renewables wrote:
David has mentioned the achilles heel of electric transport - the raw material supplies. So while electric cars might gain a foothold in the UK, it will be impossible to go 100%. And what do lorries, buses and the 'van' fleet use?

Being very biased, I believe hydrogen is the way to go......... and several outfits such as birmingham university also feel the same way.

A multi-lateral way is the only forward.