Irish Electric Transport debate hots up

The keynote address at the ‘Future Transport Fuel Forum’ was provided by the Minister for Sustainable Transport, Ciaran Cuffe TD. In it, the Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to cleaner, greener transport, which included the development of the electric vehicle industry in Ireland.

In commending the Government’s commitment to promoting transport fuel alternatives the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Paul Mallee, called on them to further incentivise this innovative sector in line with their Smart Economy strategy. In doing so, he said, Ireland could become a “global test bed for alternative transport fuels.”

Dr Brian Caulfield of the School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin warned however that research undertaken by the Centre for Transport Studies showed that price remains the key determining factor for the public when considering the purchase of alternatively fuelled vehicles. Dr Caulfield commented: “While environmental issues were found to be important, the results of his research show that cost is the most important factor when encouraging people to purchase an alternatively fuelled car.”

Other speakers at the debate included representatives from Bord Gais, ESB and transport and logistics operators. The debate was chaired by Irish Times Environment Editor, Frank McDonald.

In his address Minister Cuffe stated that in recent months the Government has signed a second memorandum of understanding with a major manufacturer to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in Ireland. “This clearly demonstrates our commitment to strengthen and develop Ireland’s international position as a first-mover for this innovative sector and a pioneer in cleaner, greener transport,” said the Minister. “We are fully committed to the roll-out of alternative transport options, and I have made this a priority issue during my term as Minister for Sustainable Transport,” he added.

CILT President Paul Mallee added: “The transport sector must capitalise on the Government’s enthusiasm for sustainable transport options and demonstrate the added-value this can bring in terms of fostering growth and supporting their Smart Economy strategy.

“Developments in this area are likely to focus on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as the forerunner to electric vehicles, but progress in this area remains painstakingly slow due to cost implications. Bio-fuels or compressed natural gas forming part of the fuel mix will also provide for transition or even longer-term solutions. Now is the time to consider the options.

Citing the obvious environmental benefits, Paul Mallee called on the transport industry to work with Government to identify ways of incentivising and prioritising the development of sustainable transport options. In doing so, he said, this will help to create jobs in an emerging high-end sector. “Ireland should become a testbed and pioneer in developing transport fuel alternatives,” he added.

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FORUM HIGHLIGHTS

• Minister Ciaran Cuffe TD stressed the need for land use planning linked to transport. He also proposed the Public Service Obligation (PSO) grants for internal flights in Ireland to be ended – they currently receive higher grants per mile than rail travel. He also spoke of the need to tax aircraft fuel and to review our ports strategy. Biofuels and Electric vehicles both have important roles to play. And he concluded with a reminder that walking and cycling should be promoted – in Copenhagen 37% cycle to work.
  

• Paul Mulvaney of ESB’s ecars outlined the environmental and energy advantages of electric cars. The ESB is seeking incentives and providing infrastructure in terms of charge points. All the major car manufacturers are launching electric cars. As the ESB moves to more generation by gas and wind the overall efficiencies for electric cars will increase.
  

• Conor Faughnan of AA Ireland pointed out that Ireland is very much an “Oil Junkie” – being in the top 10 in the world in terms of oil consumption per capita. He is testing an electric car himself, but believes hybrids are likely play a more important role in the short term. Drivers want confidence in supply, range and performance along with reasonable prices. In the long term Conor could see noiseless, driverless cars and zero road deaths!
  

• Jerry Kiersey of Green Tiger Express stated that his fleet of trucks run on 95% rape Seed Oil. He said this fuel is ideal for long-distance trucking, but the 38c per litre tax on Rape Seed Oil is stopping hauliers investing in this Irish-grown fuel. Yet he said in Bavaria, grants have led to 60,000 trucks converting to Rape Seed Oil.
  

• Patrick Callanan of Bord Gais spoke of the environmental, cost savings and noise reduction benefits attained from using Natural Gas for vehicles. Madrid introduced Natural Gas for all its refuse trucks and in doing so reduced their fuel bull by 30%, along with environmental and noise benefits. They are now planning to expand this to their bus fleet.
  

• Dr Brian Caulfield of Trinity College noted that 37% of households had 2 cars and 12% had 3 or more cars. Yet the main criteria for choosing a new car remained reliability, safety and price, with CO2 emissions ranking only in 12th place. He believes Electric vehicles will be mainly second cars and biofuels will be used in public service vehicles. More work needs to be done to determine just how green these vehicles really are.

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