PSA Peugeot Citroen has introduced two new electric car models to Ireland, as part of a deal with the Irish Government and ESB. Viewing Ireland as an ideal market for electric cars PSA Peugeot Citroen will supply the Irish market with the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero.
“Two years ago, I set out Ireland’s ambition to pioneer electric cars. We said we were open for business, the ESB agreed to build the charging infrastructure and we initiated a grant scheme for the customer. We have all the elements in place to be a true world leader in the electrification of private transport. I welcome PSA Peugeot Citroën’s involvement in this project,” says Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. “2011 will be the year electric cars become a common sight on Irish roads.”
The electrification of transport is required for the successful transition to carbon neutral sustainable travel. The Irish Government’s target is to achieve 6,000 passenger vehicles in operation in by 2012. This target has been set in order to generate the critical mass necessary to assist Ireland in achieving its overall goal of ensuring that 10% of all vehicles (equivalent to 230,000 vehicles) are electric by 2020.
ESB has committed to installing 1,500 publicly accessible charging stations, 2,000 domestic charging points and 30 fast charging units on a nationwide basis throughout Ireland by the end of 2011.
ESB’s chief executive, Padraig McManus points out: “Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to build a nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to put in place other necessary conditions to facilitate the widespread adoption of ecars. This agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen further supports the expansion of ecar use among the public and demonstrates that car manufacturers view Ireland as an ideal location to develop carbon-neutral driving.”
Peugeot and Citroen will each provide 50 electric cars on the Irish market in 2011, with that figure rising to meet demand. Training on the Peugeot and Citroen Electric vehicles and their maintenance began in Ireland in March 2010 and the first cars will arrive in January 2011. Prices and equipment details for the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero will be announced in January.