Antinuclear

Electric car to go ahead, though Australia’s Green Car Fund closed

PROTOTYPE OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST MODERN FAMILY-SIZED ELECTRIC CAR Five local companies have joined forces to build prototypes of Australia’s first modern large electric car. Supported by the Australian Government, the consortium hopes to produce a family car which could revolutionise the Australian car industry.

Announcing more than $3.5 million in funding from the Green Car Innovation Fund for the consortium’s project worth nearly $26 million, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the concept for the car was based on the popular Holden Commodore.

“The Government understands that Australia’s future relies on our ability to green our industries. This includes manufacturing environmentally friendly vehicles,” Senator Carr said.

“This Melbourne-based consortium, EV Engineering, is determined to change the motoring horizon by expanding the range of green vehicle choices available to Australian families.”

The consortium comprises automotive components suppliers Air International, Bosch, Continental and Futuris, and electric vehicle infrastructure and services provider Better Place (Australia).

“The automotive industry has a great future in Australia. There are some excellent projects being funded under the Green Car Innovation Fund, including more efficient and hybrid engines, lighter components and hi-tech battery technology.

“I am confident these innovative projects will revolutionise the Australian automotive industry and show what can be achieved through investment in research and development.”

The Green Car Innovation Fund closed to new applications last month so that remaining funds could be redirected into the rebuilding of roads, bridges, rail lines and public facilities in Australia’s flood ravaged communities.

The Prime Minister and Senator Carr have guaranteed that all other parts of the New Car Plan for a Greener Future will be retained and all contractual commitments and grant offers made by the Government through the fund, including for this project, will be honoured.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of a strong and diverse economy. I am proud that the highly successful New Car Plan has been instrumental in enabling the Australian automotive industry to emerge from the global economic crisis in better shape than many of its international counterparts,” Senator Carr said.

February 20, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, energy, technology