TAIPEI: Taipei is looking forward to the possibility of carrying out a large-scale test of electric cars next summer. But the chairman of the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturer's Association (TTVMA), Chen Kuo-rong, said yesterday the mounting of a test of such magnitude will require government support.

Chen spoke at the opening of the two-day 2009 Taiwan Automotive International Forum and Exhibition (TAIFE) at National Taiwan University Hospital International Conference Center. In his remarks, Chen said Taiwan is on an equal footing with other countries and regions on the electric vehicle (EV) front.

Though the traditional internal combustion engine cars are not Taiwan's strong suit, the EV is at its early development stage and Taiwan could exploit the window like others, he said.

With assistance of the government, local car makers could have EVs test-driven in Taipei next year, one year ahead of schedule, Chen said.

On July 2, Renault-Nissan announced a plan to hold large-scale tests for its new electric cars in Paris and Milan next year. Mass production is planned for 2012.

"One hundred electric cars from the Renault-Nissan alliance ... will be tested from September 2010 for a year by individuals, companies and local authority employees" around Paris, Renault-Nissan and EDF said in a statement.

The tests include a try-out in the Paris region of a new car charging network being developed in conjunction with French electricity giant EDF.

At the Taipei event, economic affairs chief Yiin Chii-ming told reporters that the goal of pursuing EVs is shared by the government.

He said similar testing in Taiwan would accumulate precious data and experience, and help Taiwan gain a foothold in EV development and secure a leading position.

"It should be done as early as possible," he said.

Auto industries around the world are in a race to tap the green car market.

Outside Europe, US president Barack Obama has announced plans to have one million electric cars on the road by 2015. The Chinese mainland has declared its ambition to become the leader in electric cars. Japan and South Korea have both adopted policies to promote EVs.

Yiin said the "Ministry of Economic Affairs" (MOEA) is studying incentives for driving EVs including preferential treatment in licensing taxes, fuel taxes and excise.

MOEA is also drafting more detailed regulations pertaining to quality standards, mapping the electric charge grid and how users should pay for the electricity used to fuel their cars, he added.

Yiin said Taiwan has many reasons for advancing the use of EVs: the right population density, an extensive power grid and the 400-km distance between north and south extremities of the island.

Taking advantage of its strength in electronics, Taiwan could carve a niche market in EV parts with its batteries, motor controllers and system integration technology, he said.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 07/16/2009 page2)