The Irish Government hopes to have 10 per cent of vehicles on Irish roads running on electricity by 2020. But do electric vehicles have the potential to answer a key part of our transport needs as we seek alternatives to fossil fuel?
This important question will be debated at an upcoming Green Power Forum that is being organised by the Irish Motoring Writers Association and sponsored by Semperit Tyres. This forum will take place at the Global Ireland Institute in UCD on Tuesday September 1, 2009.
The forum will feature a panel discussion that will deal with all aspects of the debate about EVs, including cost, environmental benefits/impact, and infrastructural requirements. The debate will be moderated by broadcaster Rodney Rice and will include contributions from car manufacturers who are to the fore in the development of EVs: Nissan, Opel, and PSA Peugeot Citroen. In addition, other interested parties will contribute to the debate, including a representative from the ESB and from the TransportWatch lobby group in the UK .
“Through our work, motoring journalists are privileged in the access we have to the cutting-edge developments in the search for alternatives to fossil fuels,” says Michael Moroney, chairman of the IMWA. “The huge strides in EV technology over the last number of years seem to indicate electricity will be an important part of the future transport equation. It is a great opportunity for us to highlight these developments by bringing experts from this field to speak to an Irish audience.”
With the world approaching a situation of ‘peak oil’, the necessity to identify viable fuel alternatives is “more urgent”, according to Paddy Murphy, general manager of Semperit Ireland.
“This is critically important to everyone involved in the automotive industry – from tyre makers to car manufacturers to energy providers. The upcoming Green Power Forum is an important opportunity for all of us to learn about the latest developments in this field.”
The event is aimed at a broad number of interests including local authorities, environmental groups, energy bodies, and companies from the motoring and fuel sectors. Admission to the forum is free, but advance registration is required. For further information email Dawn Burke: [email protected].
