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SINGAPORE:
AS AN IDEAL TEST BEDDING ENVIRONMENT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
On May 6th 2009, Singapore
announced the set-up of a multi-agency task force, jointly
led by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land
Transport Authority (LTA), the agency responsible for public
and private transportation. Its aim is to implement an
electric vehicle (EV) test-bedding programme which is open
to all auto manufacturers and technology companies who have
a commitment to the future of electric transport.
The programme will involve key industry participants
examining infrastructure requirements and new business
models applicable to urban transport solutions for cities
like Singapore.
It is also expected to identify industry and R&D
opportunities that could leverage the test-bedding platform.
By providing this arena for EVs, Singapore expects to become
an attractive showcase for auto manufacturers, component
suppliers and infrastructure developers.
To read the full report, click
EVs have a higher efficiency
than conventional internal combustion engines, do not
consume energy while at rest, and are able to regenerate
electricity when braking. They are now enjoying a tremendous
growth of interest for the energy and transport sectors,
with most major automobile manufacturers now having EV
programmes. For countries with limited renewable energy
sources, EVs still offer carbon emission reductions. In
Singapore, for example, which generates around 80% of its
power from natural gas, it is estimated that a 30%
penetration of EVs in private car ownership could achieve a
7% reduction in carbon emissions in the overall transport
sector.
Given the current worldwide interest in EVs and the pace of
technological development, EVs could be commercially
available as soon as 2010. Cities need to be prepared in
terms of physical and IT infrastructure. Singapore
represents an ideal test-bed for all aspects of EVs, given
its size, urban environment, robust electricity grid and IT
infrastructure.
For more information, read
also:
Spotlight on Singapore : Building an EV Economy
As highlighted by Mr. David
Tan, Deputy Chief Executive of EMA in his speech, there are
several factors for Singapore as an ideal test bed for EVs:
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1 |
Singapore's size, compact urban environment, and robust power grid and ICT infrastructure. |
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As a small and
densely-built up urban city state, average driving
distances in Singapore are short, with the average
passenger vehicle mileage estimated at less than 55
km per day. This is well within the typical driving
range of a fully charged electric vehicle, which
currently comes in between 90 and 160 km. In
addition, our robust electricity and ICT networks will enable us to deploy charging infrastructure to support EVs with relative ease. |
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3 |
Beyond these intrinsic
advantages, Singapore also has a wealth of
technology and research expertise in electronics,
power and precision engineering, accompanied by a
critical mass of skilled workers and technicians in
these sectors. This will stand us in good stead in
attracting high value-add activities centered on batteries, power electronics and electric drive trains. |
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Leveraging on these
capabilities, Singapore is positioning itself as a
“living laboratory” for companies to research,
develop, and test innovative solutions for EVs in a real environment with human activities. As a “living laboratory”, Singapore also aims to develop sustainable EV solutions that can be exported to the region and beyond. |
EV Test-Bed
The EV
test-bedding programme involve key industry players to
examine infrastructure requirements and new business models
arising from EVs, as well as to identify industry and R&D
opportunities. The test-bed is open to all auto
manufacturers and technology companies interested in shaping
the future of electric transport.
The
test-bed will run for three years, from 2010 to 2012. The
first batch of up to 50 EVs will arrive in 2010. The results
of the test-bed will be instrumental in providing relevant
policy recommendations pertaining to the commercial roll out
of electric vehicles beyond the test-bedding phase ending in
2012.
Read also:
EV Test Bedding (By Energy Markets Authority)
Speech by Mr David Tan, Deputy Chief Executive,
Energy Market Authority, at Plug-In Singapore 2009
Transport Technology Innovation And Development Scheme
(TIDES)
TIDES is
jointly administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB)
and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The purpose of this
scheme is to support EDB’s effort in attracting automobile
companies in knowledge based manufacturing and conducting
Research and Development (R&D) activities and testing of
vehicles in Singapore.
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