National strategy for electric cars launched
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
A national strategy for the introduction of electric cars in Malta was launched this morning.
The strategy was spearheaded by a committee set up in June last year which consulted with stakeholders. It also carried out a survey on the public’s perception of conventional cars and attitude to alternative means of transport.
Committee chairman Peter Mifsud pointed out that electric cars had lower running costs compared to conventional cars.
While a traditional car used up 7c of fuel per kilometre, an electric car used 2.5c.
He pointed out that Malta had one of the EU's highest growth rates in the amount of cars. And while the average age of cars in Malta was 12.7 years, in the EU it was eight years.
Electric cars did not produce emissions and were 2.5 times more efficient when compared to fuel-driven cars. Although they were cleaner, they were also more expensive to buy.
Mr Mifsud said that at least 30 per cent of respondents in the survey said that economy was the most influential factor when buying a car followed by 18 per cent who said they looked at the price.
Only eight per cent said the environmental impact was an influencing factor.
Electric cars can be charged fast or slow - the slow charge takes six to eight hours, the fast charge takes around 30 minutes. Mr Mifsud said that fast charging points were not considered to be a priority because of the short travel distances. Slow charging was also better for battery life.
The government intends fixing some 100 electricty charging points all over Malta by the end of next year.
Resources Minister George Pullicino said the government today launched a scheme whereby people and companies who would like to try out an electric car would be able to apply to do so.
The €2 million project, 50 per cent of which will be EU funded, will allow 24 people to drive an electric car for a trial period of three months. The information and applications can be downloaded online.
The volunteers will only be paying for the consumption of electricity to drive the car, must own a valid driving licence and be 25 years or over. A number of volunteers must also have photovoltaics at home and some testers will include businesses and private companies.
The government today also launched a rebate scheme for buyers of private electric cars, amounting to 25 per cent of total cost up to maximum of €4,000.
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A Cassar
Aug 2nd 2012, 08:25
This is a good initiative, however electric cars do not suit everyone's transport needs. The govt should do incentives on hybrid cars aswell
Steve Zammit
Aug 1st 2012, 11:53
electric cars would only make sense if they are charged from solar power charged stations
Louis Pace
Aug 1st 2012, 09:48
Now the best to watch these....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9VjvOP9kqM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyDKiETQIX0
B Ellul
Aug 1st 2012, 07:40
x'faqar ta kummenti minn hafna minhkom!
I don't care what the ministers DO, I only care how much it will cost me to go from point A to point B, and the electric car seems that it will reduce by cost by a good percentage.
James Wightman
Aug 1st 2012, 07:34
This is the future of private cars, much like public bikes, public cars. Private cars will become too expensive to own.
A Cardona
Jul 31st 2012, 23:27
Nearly read all comments... and honestly got myself more confused. Eventually will have to do the research myself to decide. However i wish to ask this one simple question :-
Assume these vehicles are in circulation, will any qualified mechanics be available with this type of technology?
Claudio Cilia
Jul 31st 2012, 22:46
Things Why I think Malta deserves better (after a week in Scotland):
1) Signage is perfect .. they advise you for even where there are no signs and reliable, large, english signs.
2) Eco friendly.. Trees everywhere, HydroElectric plants, Windfarms everywhere.
3) The air does not feel polluted (we need an extra effort on that)
4) People have Amazing manners and treat you nicely
5) People are not too loud and do not make you feel like your in a farm or something like that
6) When you walk you don't see a million eyes starring at you , everyone minds their own business.
7) Excellent Traffic radio system and Emergency systems (where are they here?)
8) Everything is cheaper.. petrol, cars, food, clothing .. pricing is more fair
9) They have more choice on services and retail
10) Excellent National TV and no nonsense shows and/or other 'ejja ha namlu xi haga ha nehilsu productions'
11) After doing 2100 KM using a rented car and almost visiting every area THERE has never been A Single Pothole in the road.. and the tarmac feels much more 'steady' and has a grip
12) I want a more 'organised / efficient / modern' Malta! these things make me feel ashamed of my beautiful country.
Steve Zammit
Aug 1st 2012, 11:52
well said, same thoughts come to my mind after every time i go abroad and come back here.
Anthony Azzopardi
Jul 31st 2012, 20:54
Is it true than ONLY 25 cars in all will be subsidised? Should it not be open to all who wish to buy an electirc car? Better then paying fines to EU when the emissions targets are not reached.
B Ellul
Aug 1st 2012, 07:38
Anthony that's not what I've understood. the 24 cars are just an EU funded project for people to try out electric cars....
'The €2 million project, 50 per cent of which will be EU funded, will allow 24 people to drive an electric car for a trial period of three months. The information and applications can be downloaded online.'
The scheme is something else and no number of applicants has been specified
'The government today also launched a rebate scheme for buyers of private electric cars, amounting to 25 per cent of total cost up to maximum of €4,000.'
Paul Caruana
Jul 31st 2012, 20:40
The incentives are a good start. However, the big issue with fully electric cars is, apart from the high initial cost (at least double that of a conventionally powered car), is battery longevity!
It will take a very environmentally minded person to take the risk and buy a totally electric car, with the risk of having to buy, at a very considerable expense, a whole set of replacement batteries just a few years later.
Victor Rodenas
Jul 31st 2012, 20:39
how long will the batteries last on average and how much it cost to replace them?
Louis Pace
Aug 1st 2012, 09:43
It is said that if you take care of the batteries they will last from 6 to10 years depending on which type of batteries you are using. Regarding how much will it cost to change them also depends on type and size of the car, the bigger the car the more batteries so it would be more expensive. The problem is that today new cars (petrol/diesel) have a 3 to 5 years guarantee on them so the electric car will make a difference from that time onwards. I think that to change a set of batteries on an electric car will cost €1,500 up to €3,000 some may be even more. But you have to see other things electric cars only have brushless electric motor and a 3 speed gearbox including the reverse, while the normal car has much more things that could go wrong ex. water pump , clutch , plugs , oil pump , injection pump , fuel pump and so on that if these needs to be changed they will cost also a lot. What I disagree is that today to scrap your old car you get a max. €2000 and to get a new electric car you get only €4000 I think this should be higher taking in consideration that they cost more and then there is the insurance part that if they cost more you have to pay higher rates. This survey is not that good and they left out the part that what if one had to built his own electric car ......
Nazzareno Borg
Jul 31st 2012, 19:45
Funnily enough, the requirements of the application are that it is delivered to MRRA by hand. This is the case with too many things where any government body is concerned. Isn't it more eco friendly if applications were posted, saving a drive to the premises (or a bus ride)? .....or, even better still, sent by email in this day and age?
Amanda Borg
Aug 1st 2012, 00:49
They can be sent by email - read the requirements well Mister!
G G Debono
Aug 1st 2012, 10:46
RE " Isn't it more eco friendly if applications were posted, saving a drive to the premises (or a bus ride)?"
Funny how people always assume that to get from A to B is by car.
I usually go by bike - zero emissions and good exercise ---
Charles Azzopardi
Jul 31st 2012, 18:36
Well done but still miles behind other countries. Given the island's size and the ever improving distance coverage on electric, the EV car is becoming ever more ideal. It explains why so many brands are now producing their own EV model: Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, Renault Fluence, Opel Ampera, etc. and it will only get better.
What we need are more incentives to entice buyers. Whilst eur 4k rebate is a help, the price of EV cars esp in Malta are very high and need more support. Other countries are more supportive.
But for heaven's sake the government should start using EV to give an example. Even public transport should make use of them, as you see in London.
Some incentives on hybrids would also make a lot of sense.
Joe Fenech
Jul 31st 2012, 18:02
Once these EU funds end, Malta will be another Greece!
john muscat
Jul 31st 2012, 18:00
Would the PM and ministers be using these electric cars? If they do it will be an excellent incentive, otherwise it is all false news.
S Cachia
Jul 31st 2012, 17:57
Will all the ministers opt to have an electric car instead of their jaguars, bmws etc? lead by example :)
Alfred Farrugia
Jul 31st 2012, 17:40
Can somebody explain how a 2 million euro national strategy can be launched to cater for only 24 people for 3 months at a time? The idea behind the strategy seems a good one, but its implementation leaves much to be desired.
If the Ministry for Resources wanted to be “innovative” – up to a certain extent – and give an incentive to drivers to try an electric car, it would have made more sense to partner with the private sector and introduce an adaptation of the “zipcar” system with a small fleet of electric cars. In this way, hundreds of drivers – possibly thousands - would have had the opportunity of driving an electric car for an errand or two.
http://www.zipcar.com/how/
Who owns the current fleet of electric cars? What is the estimated expenditure of charging an electrical car for 8 hours? How often does this have to be done, in other words for how long does a single charge last?
The Ministry for Resources may wish to check its website for the link to download the application, as well as the concluding part of its Invitation to volunteers. There may be less than 24 people who are interested in an electric chair!
Can the Ministry for Resources let us know what is the current policy on the use of ethanol in our fuel? This has become common practice in foreign countries and it lowers the cost marginally, while reducing emissions marginally as well. Does the fuel available in Malta contain ethanol or not?
Edward Mallia
Jul 31st 2012, 17:37
@ all who have commented below except G.G. Debono.
There is by now an extensive body of data relating to all aspects of running electric cars in THIS country, never mind anywhere else. I would suggest people take the trouble to look at it before using their scatter guns against anything and everything. There is little point in spending time responding to objections which show no respect for facts for the simple reason that who is making them does not have two facts to rub together.
@ J. Farrugia Arriva have some 10 hybrids used mostly on routes to Mater Dei. My local (Attard) line is the 106; it goes most of the way to Mater Dei at speeds less than 40kph, using electric motor only, with the diesel going at low revs to keep batteries charged. Exhaust emissions are about 1/5 - 1/8 of those for a diesel only journey.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Jul 31st 2012, 18:58
I wish these buses operated on the Naxxar routes as well. Hopefully they should operate with far less noise.
Chris Vella
Jul 31st 2012, 17:04
"Electric cars did not produce emissions and were 2.5 times more efficient when compared to fuel-driven cars. Although they were cleaner, they were also more expensive to buy."
Whoever said this is trying to take you all for a ride people as all electric cars share one huge exhaust pipe the PowerStation chimney. Considering the HFO used as fuel to run the plant makes the electric cars worst than the old buses which somehow are being used in London lately. The fact that they have no on board combustion system doesn’t mean they are a clean alternative. So unless the charging points are going to be supplied by photovoltaic or wind generated electricity you’r back to square one.
Am I right?
But this will not be everyone’s problem as the PowerStation fumes do not affect the entire island but certain areas so most probably they will go on.
Edward Mallia
Jul 31st 2012, 17:55
There are figures not just guesses to this point. The PRESENT situation with Marsa still operating, is that the Power Stations emit close to 900g of CO2 for every unit (kWh) they generate. By the time that has reached my house mains and been fed through an efficient charger into my car batteries, that will have reached close to 1kg(1000g)/unit: a large value compared to other European countries. Prime cause is not only fuel but also efficiency of generation. Our average is rather low. When Delimara Extension starts up, sing HFO of course, its much improved efficiency will reduce those 900g to around 700g, a significant improvement. [use of gasoil vice HFO will not do much for CO2 emissions NOT other pollutants!!!]
Conclusion: Present situation is that Electric does better than petrol on price and CO2 but worse than diesel on CO2. Once Del.Ex. cuts in Electric will will win on both fuels; if the interconnector supply has a good CO2/unit e.g. if its sources are natural gas power stations, even better on CO2. Those who have PV panels can get some proportion of their charge with zero carbon.
G G Debono
Jul 31st 2012, 16:52
To………………….Joseph Caruana…………Today, 13:28
RE “……..Electric cars are something of the 60's. ?? Sorry Mr Caruana there were electric cars around in 1900 or thereabouts…” and in the 1980s there was the Famous EV.
RE “…….Just obsolete technology which will solve nothing…” The technology is already very, very sophisticated ., especially with the new hybrids – a prototype hybrid car was driven from London to Moscow on one tankful of petrol.
Example : the Fisker Karma hybrid does 100 Miles/Gallon, 0.60 in 5 sec and 125 mph.
Mr Caruana - The technology is cutting edge and when the problem of (heavy) batteries is solved the electric car will be as near perfect as anybody can wish.
RE “……….Electricity still has to be produced by power stations depending on fossil….” Repeat: - - Even if the car uses Maltese grid electricity, the CO2 emitted to drive the car amounts to about 120g per kilometer. If fossil fuel electricity is efficiently generated, this can be as low as 60g/kg. If PV is used then emissions are zero.
Re “……….Why doesn't show the world we can become a hydrogen producing country, by the separation of H from H20” In 1996 Daimler Benz approached Malta for a H2 - O project where H2 was split from O by sunshine . Malta was in election mode & not interested.
Re “…………. the oil and petrol barons who stand to profit in commissions…….” Yes Exxon, Shell, etc are impeding progress - - anything for money…….
G G Debono
Jul 31st 2012, 16:49
To …………Peter Gee……………Today, 13:12
Disagree - - The electric motor is hugely efficient .
Even if the car uses Maltese grid electricity, the CO2 emitted to drive the car amounts to about 120g per kilometer. If fossil fuel electricity is efficiently generated, this can be as low as 60g/kg.
A very clever proviso of the volunteer offer is that volunteers must have photovoltaic panels (as I do) . These will probably provide enough energy to drive an electric car for the short distances typical in Malta for free .
Ergo Nil emissions.
So please Mr Gee - please tell me who is making "patently inaccurate statements" ???
What you say sounds very Luddite. We had exactly the same nonsense when a trial of wind energy was proposed in Malta, 8 years ago - and now we are still at square one.
Which inaccurate statements ???? Please explain?
Joseph Mifsud
Jul 31st 2012, 16:09
If the government wants us to use electric cars, than what is the reason that car importers doesn't import them ?
Is this a scheme to retard the use of electric cars because the government will fork less taxes from fuel ?
The same problem the government has with solar power, less people will pay for enemalta's dept.
Michael Bugeja
Jul 31st 2012, 15:44
Guys tafu li l-battery tiswa eluf ta euros ,ghax hekk xi hadd qalli, u ma taghtikx snin twal anqas.kieku mmorru ghal gas nahseb ahjar, din dejjem l-opinjoni ta cuc tieghi
D Agius
Jul 31st 2012, 15:36
I find it blatantly hypocritical and patronising saying that electric cars have no emissions, when we're still relying exclusively on fossil fuel-based power generation...
Secondly, it's amusing -and slightly disturbing- that the first 'Similar Story' shown on this page (top right corner) is from Aug last year, about Pullicino promising to have "100 charging points throughout Malta by next year", and in this article it is stated that "100 charging points will be installed by next year".... I won't hold my breath.
F. Pisani
Jul 31st 2012, 15:27
Wow cheaper running cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But,
You know how much it takes to fully charge an electric Car? 16hrs,
And do you know were the electricity comes from? Power Stations,
And if you use Natural Sort of things to charge the car like a small wind turbine, how much will it take? 27 Hrs, if it is windy.
But at least super charging point will come in place and did you know that they will charge the car in 6 hrs rather than in 16? But this might rowan the battery and do you know how much it take to replace a charging station on an electric car, just about 10,000 euro, and is this a cheaper way to go around?
Electric is not the way forward, Hydrogen is!!!!!!
Dione Pace
Jul 31st 2012, 17:40
I agree completely.
steve Micallef
Aug 1st 2012, 00:54
Yes I agree to but it will never be done because of politics as you can make your own hydrogen by using sea water very cheap.
Louis Pace
Aug 1st 2012, 10:13
Sorry but I disagree 16 hours to charge what are you charging a AA Nimh battery at 180mA or what, then you said €10,000 to change the batteries. what about his car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anGUGsu2X9g
Anthony Scicluna
Jul 31st 2012, 15:20
@Joseph Caruana
I don't think your comment is a fair one. First, the technology used today is drastically different from the 1960s and some of the latest electric cars reduce fuel consumption by 50%. The technology in operation today also bypasses many old problems such as speed and time in between re-charge. Also, solar power AND dynamos are used for partial recharging of the batteries used by hybrids. Any initiative in that direction should be welcome - it would reduce our carbon footprint, toxic emissions and expense when purchasing fossil fuel.
That said, hydrogen fuel cells are probably the best way forward (you might want to have a look at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fuelcell.shtml) - it seems there are some problems that need to be overcome first. In the meantime, any initiative is a good initiative. I would couple these by imposing new buildings to have their own electricity grids and proper insulation. Energy saving starts at home
jesmond zammit
Jul 31st 2012, 15:15
bargain!
Mr J Grech
Jul 31st 2012, 15:15
Why not remove the licence needed for small scooters???? I will be the first one to ditch my car and leave it for weekends, and drive a scooter around!! Last weekend i drove a scooter for the first time of my life in Sicily. No licence is needed. And it was such a blast :) I felt i had total mobility, with 5 eur i got a full tank, and no hassle to park!
Mark Micallef
Jul 31st 2012, 14:57
You know what a really simple, easy, cheap, healthy, environmentally friendly way to travel is? CYCLING!
Not many are courageous enough to do so in Malta because of the conditions, so respect should be shown to those who are!
Noel Mifsud
Jul 31st 2012, 14:51
And how much is the normal price of the car. Hope it will be not that we have to pay a tax on the VAT like we are doing now.
D Vella
Jul 31st 2012, 14:48
2c5 per Kilometer . . . does this include the factored cost of changing the batteries once they are no longer servicable? It bears pointing out that typical batteries in electric cars can only take so many charge-discharge cycles and replacing them costs almost half the original purchase price of the entire thing!!
G G Debono
Jul 31st 2012, 14:46
Ps to Joseph Caruana - - - Just rummaged around in the data – Example : the Fisker Karma hybrid does 100 Miles/Gallon, 0.60 in 5 sec and 125 mph.
John Cole Smith
Jul 31st 2012, 14:39
Malta does not need electric cars. Arriva is perfect. You should all scrap those big cars. Arriva buses are always on time, the air-condition is perfectly at 19-23 degrees always, and all drivers are 'nice' to you,
(NOT)
Mr robert micallef
Jul 31st 2012, 14:38
get a bicycle,soon all cars will be stuck in one large traffic jam. Already a bicycle is faster then a car in peak hours. soon it will be during all hours. you stil have to park a car whether its fuel or battery operated
J Micallef
Jul 31st 2012, 17:22
Hmmmm...come to think of it...If I'm stuck in traffic on a hot day in an electric car...would the air-con still work?
Would I have to push the car for the rest of the journey?
Alfred Cassar
Jul 31st 2012, 14:36
Please, please, make sure that they are not the same consultants you paid hundreds of thousands, when u consulted on Arriva!
Joseph Caruana
Jul 31st 2012, 14:35
With the PN in Government, Money is No Problem, waste is the order of the day, till the last day, they hang on to power.
J. Pace
Jul 31st 2012, 14:34
ehe to produce the batteries of such cars do more harm to the environment. To even dispose the batteries after 5 years (or before in Malta due to the fantastic road conditions) is even worse than running a normal car for a number of years!
Steve Zammit
Jul 31st 2012, 14:29
Can we have a national strategy on bicycles too?
Mr Jamie Frendo
Jul 31st 2012, 17:32
Or at least something to promote the use of motorcycles or scooters? such as awareness campaigns on TV & Billboards and free bike lessons to get the driving license? and somewhere also to park motorbikes like in the heart of Sliema? I ride a scooter from Mgarr to sliema 5 days a week and it costs me a total average of 10 EUR a week, definately more econaomical than a car!
R Mallia
Jul 31st 2012, 14:29
Electric cars is an old technology and you have too many maintenance because batteries are just not reliable.
Compressed Air is coming, wait for that, cheaper to buy and to run.
G G Debono
Jul 31st 2012, 14:29
To………………….Joseph Caruana…………Today, 13:28
RE “……..Electric cars are something of the 60's. ?? Sorry Mr Caruana there were electric cars around in 1900 or thereabouts…”
RE “…….Just obsolete technology which will solve nothing…” The technology is already very, very sophisticated ., especially with the new hybrids – a prototype hybrid car was driven from London to Moscow on a very small quantity of petrol.
Mr Caruana - The technology is cutting edge and when the problem of (heavy) batteries is solved the electric car will be as near perfect as anybody can wish.
RE “……….Electricity still has to be produced by power stations depending on fossil….” Repeat: - - Even if the car uses Maltese grid electricity, the CO2 emitted to drive the car amounts to about 120g per kilometer. If fossil fuel electricity is efficiently generated, this can be as low as 60g/kg. If PV is used then emissions are zero.
Re “……….Why doesn't show the world we can become a hydrogen producing country, by the separation of H from H20” In 1996 Daimler Benz approached Malta for a H2 - O project where H2 was split from O by sunshine . Malta was in election mode & not interested.
Re “…………. the oil and petrol barons who stand to profit in commissions…….” Yes Exxon, Shell, etc are impeding progress - - anything for money…….
Jeffrey Mallia
Jul 31st 2012, 14:25
Did I read the word " strategy" ?? Must be dreaming.....no not in Malta.
Pule' Carmel
Jul 31st 2012, 14:16
Well, electric cars could be clean if charged up through a solar panel, but do not be surprised that in five years time the countryside will be full of disused batteries as one cannot expect more out of a battery. I cannot imagine the lawmakers, saying nothing about the disposal of Lead Batteries and Lithium Battery replacements. I dread to think about it. I believe the ROMAN race died completely because they piped their water and wine in lead pipes and lead containers. I wonder to what extent this lead and lithium pollution will raise its head and I am sure another tax will be gracefully introduced to make the over cost of electric cars as bad as oil fuelled cars. Unless a bettter battery is developed, electric cars will be at par with any other car TAKEN OVER ITS WHOLE LIFETIME.
If an electric car is charged through the powerstation, take one gallon of fuel burnt at the powerstation, this will go 70% heat in the condenser and up the chimney, and 30 % to the plug, The battery charging efficiency will reduce that to 20% and the efficiency of the motor and inverter will be I would say around 15 to 20% and the lifetime of batteries about 5 years.
Now if you burn the gallon of fuel directly to have a bath in a car, the efficiency of an internal combustion modern engine is 40 % so overall , well the old car still wins and as far as pollution, the chimney at introduces a concept, which goes , ah the pollution is not at my front door but far away in someone else's garden so why worry!
Mr A Magri
Jul 31st 2012, 14:16
100 charging points by the end of next year. Same statement was made last year.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110815/local/100-electric-vehicle-charging-points-by-next-year.380258
Sarah Said
Jul 31st 2012, 14:04
When I scroll down and read some comment I realise how some readers are never happy. Quote of the day "Electric cars are something of the 60's",... but big companies are investing millions to make new models. Get your facts right!
Chris Farrugia
Jul 31st 2012, 14:03
Well done. For sure this is an important step forward.
J. Fiorentino
Jul 31st 2012, 13:50
Information about maintenance needs to be given. For example do the batteries of electric cars still keep their charge after one/two/three years of use? How much would it cost to change an electric car battery? I'd rather have a declaration from an independent expert rather than from car dealers.
Joe Fenech
Jul 31st 2012, 13:40
'Strategy'! You're sounding increasingly laughable even more than the UK which when compared to big countries lags behind in everything.
Before discussing electric cars, you need to have a plan for sustainable energy. It is incredible that the government shifts its business on to Joe Bloggs (panels on roofs, electric cars) when in 25 years they did f... all about sustainable energy.
B Ellul
Jul 31st 2012, 13:39
Finally!
Francis Raeymaekers
Jul 31st 2012, 13:30
Great! Of course EU citizens with a holiday home in Malta will be expected to pay 30% more to charge their electric cars. Lucky they don't run on water because that would cost 250% more. You gotta love Malta!
W Cassar
Jul 31st 2012, 13:48
LOL soooooo right!
I Bugeja
Jul 31st 2012, 16:27
I am sure the maltese citizens will not mind paying more tax so that the foreigners who come to Malta can pay the same amount as they pay in their country.
Perhaps we may avoid it by charging them for medical treatment as they would otherwise pay them in their country!
Joseph Caruana
Jul 31st 2012, 13:28
Electric cars are something of the 60's. Just obsolete technology which will solve nothing. Electricity still has to be produced by power stations depending on fossil.
Why doesn't show the world we can become a hydrogen producing country, by the separation of H from H20, from sea water?, a process that can run on solar energy alone. This as they say will make cars run on water!
But, its not the case, the oil and petrol barons who stand to profit in commissions, every time you forget to put your lights out, will always lobby for the use of oil , in one way, or an other.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 31st 2012, 13:22
How much does an electric car cost? How much do hybrids cost?
Eric Psaila
Jul 31st 2012, 15:02
you can buy one for as low as 12900 euro check out the brochure we receive at home ( we call it junk mail but full of opportunities ) to be exact issue no 161 of bargain catalogue.
check this website www.smartgreensys.com
J Micallef
Jul 31st 2012, 17:20
A lot!
And replacing the batteries has a prohibitive cost.
Oh...by the way...what shall we be doing with the discarded batteries?
Peter Gee
Jul 31st 2012, 13:12
"Electric cars did not leave emission..." doesn't the electricity produced at the power stations to charge them produce emissions? With such a patently inaccurate statement how can we trust any of the other statements made in this article.
Mario Fenech
Jul 31st 2012, 14:11
Here is someone with a brain, finally! Electric cars make sense in countries who run their electricity on nuclear power not on coal powered power stations. The more they plug into power outlets, the more emission they are going to produce.
John J Borg
Jul 31st 2012, 14:25
you are right........but while running ,electric cars do not leave any emissions , and compared to fuel cars , it is very low since electric motors are far more efficient......
Jonathan Scerri
Jul 31st 2012, 14:43
Well said. They do emit less than internal combustion engines, however, mile for mile.
C Cassar
Jul 31st 2012, 14:54
The cars themselves don't produce any emissions, so the statement is correct. The power stations that produce electricity can be controlled, fiiltered and manage at one central point unlike millions of individual vehicles which many will be lacking in maintenance.
Producing gasoline and diesel uses a substantial amount of electrical power and this comes also from power plants. The idea behind electric vehicles is to centralise and manage the potential polluting points, in this case a handful of power stations. Far easier to monitor and control than millions of separate vehicles all over the country.
C Cassar
Jul 31st 2012, 13:08
Finally a project that should have started 10 years ago.
It really doesn't surprise me that only 8% of Maltese citizens consider the environmental impact of car. They really do have alot to learn and also that price isn't everything. Sometimes it's worth spending a little more for the long term benefits.
J Farrugia
Jul 31st 2012, 13:07
Electric cars cost too much to buy, the battery does not have a life after 5 years and the replacement costs more than a second hand car. Also since in Malta we have no recharge points and the electricity is higher than the moon this is a total waste of time. How about ministers replacing the BMW's and jag's as a starter, Arriva could have gone for the electric / gas option as well as hundreds of govt vehicles.
Start from the top as they say maybe people might follow.
John J Borg
Jul 31st 2012, 14:35
you have some old misconceptions my friend..............thats what everyone said about photovoltaics...not 40years ago but only 4years ago...now they are everywhere.....and they are only 18%efficient........new battery technology improves every week.........
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car
Francis Raeymaekers
Jul 31st 2012, 15:27
You should start the 3rd political party that Malta so desperately craves and needs. Prosit!
Nazzareno Cortis
Jul 31st 2012, 16:49
Agree 100% with your comments.
J Micallef
Jul 31st 2012, 17:21
Spot on!
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