Several electric vehicles on show at COP17 offer a glimpse of the car's evolution should the world transition to a low-carbon economy.
The BMW Group announced further steps in its sustainable mobility strategy at the Sustainable Future Conference yesterday, held as a side event to the 17th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Durban.
The group has been conducting R&D into zero emissions vehicles and new drive technology, and its all-electric Mini E model is undergoing customer field trials in various countries. BMW outlined plans to bring “e-mobility” to SA next year, with several Mini E road shows planned for 2012, to get customer feedback and gain insight into potential infrastructure hurdles.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has also brought a fleet of zero-emission (ZE) vehicles to the conference, including Nissan's Leaf and two of Renault's four ZE models, the Fluence and Twizy. All three models are available for test drives.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to sell 1.5 million zero-emission cars by 2016, and Nissan has plans to release the Leaf in SA in 2013, subject to agreements between government and the industry on establishing a charging infrastructure and consumer incentives.
“Electric vehicles, which can be charged from purely renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, will play a critical role in achieving COP17's goals and reducing the impact of climate change,” the companies say. The transport sector is currently responsible for approximately 15% of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the International Transport Forum.
SA's home-grown electric car, the Joule, created by Cape-based company Optimal Energy, is also on display at the conference's Climate Change Response Expo. Three marketing prototype vehicles are being exhibited, one each at the IDC and Department of Science and Technology stands, which are both funders and shareholders, and one at the Department of Environmental Affairs stand.
Optimal Energy media and events manager, Jaco van Loggerenberg, says it's always encouraging to attend these kinds of events.
“The response is typically, 'When can I get one?', and even though the cars aren't in production yet, I think we underestimate the readiness for electric cars in SA.”
Van Loggerenberg says it's helpful having internationally recognised brands like Nissan and Renault demo their electric models as well, as it shows commitment to e-mobility on a larger scale.
Optimal Energy plans to release the Joule in SA in 2015, and is in discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry to determine future funding and strategies to support the commercialisation of SA's electric car.
The company's main focus at the conference is boosting finance options and awareness, says Van Loggerenberg. “Getting funding is still an important step, as is getting international exposure - it's very much a networking opportunity.
“This is a South African COP and it's time to show what the country's doing to address climate change. Electric cars have the potential to be a major driver in helping to tackle the problem and it's important to show we're working on solutions. We're all fighting the same battle.”
Low-carbon transition
Water and environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa said at a press briefing yesterday that the promotion and expansion of the green economy in SA is imperative as the country works to reduce its GHG emissions.
In his opening speech at the conference, president Jacob Zuma referred to the recently signed National Green Economy Accord as a key example of the steps being taken locally to address the challenge of climate change. The accord aims to support the transition to a lower carbon economy, while balancing the needs for job creation and economic development.
“COP17 is an opportunity for us to share our experience and to learn from the rest of the world on successful examples of using new technologies and new ways of engineering our workplaces, homes and transport systems to ensure that we make a positive contribution to climate change goals,” said economic development minister Ebrahim Patel.
One of the Accord's commitments is investment into mass-transport systems that will reduce the reliance on private car use. According to the economic development department, state-owned commuter rail company PRASA will invest R20 billion in new trains by 2014, most of which will be manufactured locally.
Related story:
Communications go green for COP17
ICASA to combat threats at COP17
Share