ETRA (European Twowheel Retailers’ Association) raises attention for electric 2Wheels in the EU electric (car) mobility debate
Original Source – ETRA – Click Here
At the end of May 2013, the European Development Fund (EDF) organised a debate on electric mobility. The initiative was part of the European Green Week and was supported by the European Commission. It consisted of an on-line debate and a live panel discussion in Brussels.
The title of the event was: “Electric Mobility, driving the transformation of the city.”
ETRA expressed its regret over the fact that the subject matter of the discussion was limited to electric cars only.
By means of several tweets, the European trade organisation made participants in the debate aware of the shared importance and potential of electric 2Wheel mobility in the European Union.
At the panel discussion in Brussels, ETRA’s General Secretary reiterated her disappointment over the fact that no other means of transport but electric cars were included.
She pointed out how the European Commission still too often overlooks electric 2Wheels in their policies and legislation, despite annual sales of more than 1 million as opposed to a few thousand electric cars. She also observed that car manufacturers seem to have little interest in adopting a different view on the concept of mobility nor in linking up their means of transport with other transport modes.
Olivier Onidi, Director of Innovative and Sustainable Mobility in DG Move, who admitted using an electric bicycle, pleaded guilty to the ETRA General Secretary, Annick Roetynck’s “accusation” of insufficient attention for 2Wheels. He added however, that the Commission was now trying its best to make up for this shortfall. He underlined that the unit ‘urban mobility’ in his department took 2Wheels increasingly into account.
Olivier Paturet, Zero Emssion Manager at Nissan Europe, did stress during the debate that car manufacturers would have no choice but to adopt a completely different view on mobility and on the role of cars in that new mobility.
In his opening speech, DG Move Director General Matthias Rüte said the following: “The European Union imports € 1 billion oil per day from outside the EU. If we would be able to substitute that by European “energies”, a great deal of our economic problems would be solved at once.” He added: “We will not solve the problem of congestion just through replacing conventional cars by electric cars. We also need to look at other solutions such as public transport, car-sharing,etc.”
As well as 2Wheels, Mr Rüte?
Electric Mobility Debate – www.electric-mobility-debate-2013.eu
Original Source – ETRA – Click Here
Right To Ride Comments
In May 2012 we reported on the Clean Week 2020 event which saw large and small manufacturers present their greenest two-wheelers and cars at the event at the Zolder Race Circuit in Belgium.
The Clean Week 2020 event also saw voting on the European e-Motorbike and e-Scooter of the Year.
Clean Week 2020 aimed at providing an annual review of future oriented technologies in the fields of mobility and environment, blended into an appealing mix of sporty, educational, technological and recreational elements.
At that time we asked questions and commented:
However what does this all mean for the “average” motorcyclist where is the “infernal” combustion engine heading, will we have to adapt and change in the far or near future to electric motorcycles, scooters and mopeds?
No matter how hard electric is pushed, will it become the norm through acceptance or simply legislated in to our daily lives?
ecar
We also reported on the ecar project in Northern Ireland which at time was investing over £2 million in electric vehicle infrastructure which includes up to £850,000 in funding received from OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) in December 2010. The remainder of funds have been raised by the local consortium.
The ecar consortium is jointly led by the Department for Regional Development and the Department of the Environment. The consortium members are: NIE, ESB, Donnelly Motor Group, Power NI, SAP, Intel, Derry City Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, Armagh City and District Council, Fermanagh District Council, Larne Borough Council.
They are aiming for public charge posts in Belfast, Londonderry, Armagh, Newry, Enniskillen and Larne, with rapid chargers near to major motorways.
To date there are 64 charge points now available, more coming soon and ecar is being pushed here in Northern Ireland.
But what about two wheeled vehicles?
ecar has a dedicated website and a Facebook page and we asked some questions to ecar on the page regarding the launch of ecar.
ecar A very successful launch today! Thanks to everyone who attended and for all the enthusiasm and support!
Trevor Baird Brilliant, but what about e-motorcycles?
ecar Trevor e-motorcycles are welcome to charge at public charge points also. All public charge points use a ‘Mennekkes’ plug (which is a 7-pin plug). I would ask your e-motorcycle manufacturer to ensure they supply you with the correct lead so you can charge at all the ecar public charge points.
Trevor Baird Excellent! Although I wasn’t asking for myself, I run a motorcycle website in Northern Ireland, so it was for general information for our readers. A motorcycle is a motorcycle or a Powered Two Wheeler, however the power we have concentrated on is the combustion engine. So for any electric powered two wheelers out there this is good news that maybe they were not aware of.
ecar Trevor, I would suggest you contact the manufacturer and check that the Mennekkes 7-pin plug can be used on the electric bikes to be sure that they are all compatible.
So are there any e-motorcycles out there in Northern Ireland?
How does the infrastructure in Northern Ireland compare to that in your country?
Are e-motorcycles a “big” deal in your country?
Do e-motorcycles embrace motorcycling or are they a threat?
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