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The Republic of Ireland is switching on to electric vehicles in a major way, with the Government announcing a target of 10% of all vehicles on Irish roads are to be battery-electric by 2020.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said, "This Government initiative...will help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy security and lower our transport emissions. Ireland's transport future must include smarter, more sustainable travel choices."

Here in the UK, AWE is also driving towards a more sustainable future with the integration of new Smith Edison electric vans into it's fleet.

Remember, if you are thinking about converting your fleet to electric you can find out more at our website at www.SmithElectricVehicles.com.

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director, Smith Electric Vehicles

IRELAND PLAN FOR 250,000 ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The Republic of Ireland has announced a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020. This represents some 250,000 cars, vans and trucks on Irish roads over the coming years.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Transport Minister Noel Dempsey jointly announced the plan and are pictured here in front of a Smith Edison panel van.

The Government's Electric Vehicles plan includes some great news for any fleet operator in Ireland who is considering buying a Smith zero emission commercial vehicle:

1. Tax incentives 100% tax write down – businesses can write off 100% of the purchase cost against tax, in the first year of ownership!
2. A EUR1 million project by Sustainable Energy Ireland to research, develop and demonstrate electric vehicles nationally
3. Publication of a "Buyer's Guide" and a "Cost of Ownership Calculator" to help new customers, produced by Sustainable Energy Ireland
4. Establishment of a National Task Force to examine infrastructure options for national roll-out of electric vehicles, including on-street charging

Minister Eamon Ryan said: "We can reduce our fossil fuel bill and help meet our climate change challenges. Importantly, this plan will bring major investment and jobs to Ireland as we become a centre for electric vehicles."

Sustainable Energy Ireland estimates CO2 emissions in the Republic could be cut by 350,000 tonnes if the EV target of 10% is met.

For further details of how to incorporate electric vehicles in to your fleet, please contact Maisie Atkinson, Email: maisie.atkinson@smithelectricvehicles.com,  Tel: +44 (0) 845 1557 755.

If you live in Northern Ireland or the Republic, please contact our distributor, Electric Vehicles Ireland, Email: sales@electricvehicles.ie,  Tel: 057 936 1488.

AWE TAKES DELIVERY OF SMITH EDISON PANEL VANS

AWE has welcomed two additions to its family of eco-friendly vehicles.

The new electric vans – Smith Edisons – support the company's drive for a more sustainable business. They are being used for general deliveries both on site and off site and are part of a loan pool based at the Transport Workshop.

Bob Goss, Deputy Transport Manager, and Mike Weedon, Head of Transport & Convoy, are pictured here with the new Smith Edison panel vans.

Feedback from employees who have used the panel vans is favourable, says Bob Goss, deputy transport manager.

The vans have impressive acceleration, top speeds of up to 50 mph and a range on one battery charge in excess of 80 miles.

The vehicles deliver zero emissions at the point of use, meaning no greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, but also none of the exhaust air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrous oxide.

Read more about the Smith Edison panel van here: www.SmithElectricVehicles.com