In 2020 there must be one million electric cars in the Netherlands. Yesterday the three Dutch universities of technology and Stichting Natuur en Milieu unfolded an ambitious action plan at the AutoRAI with this aim. The plan is based on the sustainable car concept c,mm,n.

A visualization of the c,mm,n car 2.0.

On many fronts there are hurdles ahead that need to be overcome to make the electric car a viable choice for normal consumers, dr. ir. Theo Hofman from TU/e explains. Think of the infrastructure, for instance – charging stations, grid capacity - the production of electricity, the development of batteries, and the role of AAA road service. The Actieplan Elektrisch Rijden wants to adopt an integral approach. Hofman: "The primary problem with electric cars is their range; they cannot take you far enough. And there are no charging stations anywhere yet. Another problem: electric cars are still very expensive. The question is: how are you going to tackle all of this?"

For this purpose the plan mentions twelve lines of action, while simultaneously indicating the parties that should take up these challenges. For one, large-scale experimental programs should be set up. Another wish: long-term certainty about taxation and regulations, and boosting pilot projects and participation in financial risks. A lot is expected from the central government. "Perhaps the government could be the first major customer", says Hofman. "That would give an initial impetus to demand, as well as to the industrial development. In addition, the government could facilitate electric charging." Apart from this, 'cooperation' by many parties is of the essence. To this end, the plan provides for a Formula E team, which would be in charge.

A basic element in the plan is the so-called c,mm,n. This is a car concept on which the three universities of technology have been collaborating longer, in an effort to arrive at a clean, smart and especially sustainable car. TU/e is working on the development of the drive line, i.e. the engine and the batteries.
The plan was also presented to Prime Minister Balkenende and Minister Eurlings yesterday. Even now there is broad support for this 'Master plan' to arrive at an accelerated introduction of the electric car: the municipality of Amsterdam, ANWB, Athlon Car Lease, Eneco, Prorail and Rabobank are also involved as partners.

One million electric cars on the roads within eleven years. TU/e researcher Hofman concurs that this is quite ambitious. "It remains to be seen whether this is indeed realistic. Still, the real issue is not whether the target is 250,000 or a million cars. You have to aim high."

Contact: Jim Heirbaut, Communicatie Expertise Centrum, tel. 040 – 247 21 10, e-mail J.Heirbaut@remove-this.tue.nl

Source: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven