Singapore's Electric Vehicle Test-bed Launched

July 19, 2011 Gaia Discovery

Daimler's Smart ForTwo ED join Mitshubishi's i_MIev in a practical study to transform Singapore's transportation towards a low cabon, integrated system. By Sarah Joseph.

Singapore, 19 July 2011. The inter-agency Electric Vehicle Taskforce, led by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), announced the launch of the electric vehicle test-bed in Singapore on 25 June 2011. It was also revealed for the first time that Daimler South East Asia (SEA) Pte. Ltd has joined the test-bed, and will bring in 20 Smart Fortwo ED (electric drive) vehicles available for lease under the EV test-bed from July 2011.

Given Singapore's urbanised environment and road conditions, the electric vehicle (EV) test-bed is necessary to test and gauge different EV prototypes and charging technologies, before deciding to mass adopt the EVs. The test-bed will focus on gathering data and insights to guide the planning for future deployment of EVs, including the optimal ratio of charging stations to vehicles. For the convenience of the test-bed participants, charging stations have been designed to automatically collect data on the EV users' charging patterns.

Flagging off the first batch of Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and smart electric drive (ed) Daimler vehicles.

Said Mr Tan Choon Shian, Deputy Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board, "The EV test-bed is an excellent example of how Singapore presents itself as a 'Living Laboratory', in this case for EV manufacturers, charging solution providers and automotive component players, working closely with various stakeholders in both government and utilities sector. In meeting Singapore's need for sustainable mobility solutions, we invite private sector players to partner us in the development and testing of innovative solutions."

Senoko Energy is the first power generation company in Singapore to purchase the EV under the test-bedding programme. As an early adopter, Senoko Energy will be part of the pioneering batch of EV owners who will be testing the viability of introducing EVs as an alternative form of transport into Singapore. The EV test-bed will also be scaled up over time, with the charging infrastructure growing in tandem with the take-up rate of EVs in the test-bed. In addition to the five Mitsubishi i-MiEVs already in Singapore, another 10 i-MiEVs are expected to be delivered from Japan by end of this year.

Robert Bosch (South East Asia) Pte Ltd (Bosch) the EV test-bed's first Charging Service Provider, will work closely with future test-bed participants to install dedicated charging stations to meet their charging needs. Mr Martin Hayes, President and Managing Director of Robert Bosch (South East Asia) Pte Ltd said, "Our eMobility solution is a comprehensive and state-of-the-art system for the EV test bed. User-friendly, robust, scalable, cost effective, highly secure and easily adaptable for future concepts, it will support the development of a vibrant electric vehicle city transportation ecosystem for Singapore. This aligns with the Singapore government's vision for an environmental-friendly and self-sustainable transportation infrastructure. We are privileged to contribute to this important milestone."

While Bosch has been appointed to roll out the initial charging infrastructure for the test-bed programme, other players are also welcome to set up EV charging stations on a commercial basis.