A multi-agency taskforce has been set up to spearhead electric vehicle (EV) test-bedding and development in Singapore, with S$20 million set aside to fund this initiative. The taskforce is chaired by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), with members including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Under the programme, infrastructure requirements and new business models for EVs will be identified, as well as industry and R&D opportunities. EVs are an exciting area for the cleantech and transport sectors. Singapore, being a compact urban enviornment with robust grid and IT infrastructure, is an ideal test-bedding ground for EVs.

To kickstart the initiative, the taskforce signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with two parties: Renault-Nissan and Keppel Energy. The industry partners will work closely with the taskforce to prepare for the first set of EVs to be on Singapore roads by 2010. The programme underlines EDB's interest to provide a "Living Lab" for companies to experiment and adapt innovative urban solutions before they are exported for use in other countries.