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Launch of ecar brand and website for electric vehicles

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and Environment Minister Alex Attwood today launched the new ecar brand and website for electric vehicles in Northern Ireland.
~ Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Speaking at the launch Minister Kennedy said: “The launch of the ecar brand and website is another step in the process to help raise awareness of electric vehicles and from today ecar is the name of the pilot project that is bringing electric vehicle charging infrastructure to Northern Ireland.

“This project will see charging points installed in six towns and cities across Northern Ireland as well as near some of our major roads and people can now visit the ecar section of the nidirect website to find information about electric vehicles and the ecar project.”

Commenting on the benefits to the environment Minister Attwood said: “The use of electric vehicles, ideally powered by electricity from renewable sources, is an excellent way to decarbonise transport and contribute to our climate change, air quality and noise objectives.”

“Increasing the use and popularity of electric vehicles will have a positive spin-off for the environment in Northern Ireland. The new brand and website will have a significant part to play in this.”

The ecar project is aiming to start installing public charge posts by the end of 2011 and the project is also working on home and work place charging solutions for electric vehicle users. The ecar brand is similar to the electric vehicle brand used in the Republic of Ireland and this will make it easier for electric vehicle users to recognise charging points across the island. The ecar online information can be accessed at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ecar. People can also keep up to date with the work of the project through the ecar newsletter and also on the ecar facebook page.

Notes to editors:

  1. The ecar project is part of the Plugged in Places initiative which is run by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles in London. This initiative offers match funding to consortia who wish to pilot the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their region.
  2. The ecar project is investing over £2million in electric vehicle infrastructure which includes up to £850,000 in funding received from OLEV in December 2010. The remainder of funds have been raised by the local consortium. The funding is for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 financial years.
  3. The ecar consortium is jointly led by the Department for Regional Development and the Department of the Environment. The consortium members are: NIE, ESB, Donnelly Motor Group, Power NI, SAP, Intel, Derry City Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, Armagh City and District Council, Fermanagh District Council, Larne Borough Council.
  4. There will be public charge posts in Belfast, Londonderry, Armagh, Newry, Enniskillen and Larne. There will also be a number of rapid chargers near to major motorways.
  5. The ecar brand has been developed in cooperation with ESB who are responsible for electric vehicle infrastructure in the Republic of Ireland. This is run under the brand ESB ecars.
  6. All media queries to the Department for Regional Development Press office on 028 9054 0372. Out of office contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.