NSW Government to trial electric cars

It hopes the trial will reduce the fuel consumption and carbon emissions of its 26,000-strong vehicle fleet.

NSW deputy premier and the minister for climate change and commerce, Carmel Tebbutt, said the Government would evaluate the four-door, four-seat Mitsubishi iMiEV, which can travel up to 160km on a single charge of electricity.

The iMiEV is planned to be sold in Australia from 2010, reportedly for as little as AU$35,000 (NZ$42,500).

“In the future, electric vehicles could offer a viable alternative to conventionally-fuelled cars for everyday transport, especially around the inner city and we’re keen to evaluate their potential,” said Ms Tebbutt.

“The NSW Government fleet has about 26,000 vehicles, so there is potential for electric cars to make massive savings in carbon emissions.”

Ms Tebbutt also announced the formation of an “Electric Vehicle Taskforce” to evaluate potential issues surrounding the introduction of electric cars.