Less than two weeks after it was revealed only one of Derry’s seven charging points for electric cars was used during the summer months last year, it has been announced a road show aimed at encouraging motorists to convert to electric vehicles was to come to the city.
Mark H Durkan (left) and Danny Kennedy (centre) are backing the change to ears.
New figures released by the Department of Regional Development (DRD) – who launched the ecar project in conjunction with the North’s Department of the Environment in April last year – showed the charging point at The Diamond was used on only three occasions between July and September.
None of the city’s other six charging points – at Bishop Street, Carlisle Road, Strand Road, Victoria Market, Templemore Sports Complex and Waterside Railway Station – were used over the same time period.
Now, Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and Environment Minister have announced a “Driveshow” workshop, aimed at convincing motorists to use electric cars, was to come to Derry next month.
“Driveshow” events – taking place at a number of towns across the North – are aimed at giving private and business drivers an opportunity to see and test drive the latest electric vehicles on offer from manufacturers including BMW, Nissan, and Renault.
The road show, being held in partnership with Derry City Council, will take place in Derry’s Guildhall Square on 26 March next.
The event will be free and open to everyone.
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said it would allow everyone to find out more about the benefits of electric vehicles which are were available in car showrooms.
He added: “In the past year, the ecar Project has installed charge points at 174 locations across Northern Ireland.
“Drivers of electric vehicles or ecars are now never more than around 10 miles from a re-charging point.”
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “Our aim is to make the North a leader in carbon reduction. The use of electric vehicles, ideally powered by electricity from renewable sources, is an excellent way to decarbonise transport and, by reducing emissions from vehicles, will help contribute to our climate change, air quality and noise objectives.”
At present an electric car currently costs between £28,000 and £30,000 grants of up to £5,000 towards their purchase.
Financial help is also available to individuals and businesses to install their own charging stations.
Ecar motorists can get up 90 miles from a charge of around £2 from the rapid charge points
It can take up to six hours to fully charge an ecar.
Ecar drivers are also exempt from road tax.
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