Queensland Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones was handed the keys to the latest Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle by Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd, Mr Masahiko Takahashi.

Ms Jones welcomed the new addition to the Queensland Government fleet, providing an opportunity for Government to investigate the car's performance in real-world conditions.

"The roll out of this first shipment of i-MiEV electric vehicles is the start of an exciting new era for green vehicles in Queensland," Ms Jones said.

"We'll be putting this vehicle through its paces to assess its performance on Queensland roads and review its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The vehicle will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, which means it will have zero emissions.

"If the trial in our vehicle fleet environment is successful we will consider the addition of more electric vehicles to the Queensland Government fleet."

Ms Jones said Queensland is leading the way on a national and international level when it comes to the investigation of mass-produced electric vehicles.

"Cars are responsible for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector," Ms Jones said.

"Queensland's growing population and reliance on cars makes this both a growing problem and an opportunity for action.

"Last year I made the commitment to accelerate the global commercial deployment of EVs, when I signed the EV20 Accord.

"Since then, we have released An Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Queensland; a public consultation paper, which details the issues that need to be addressed in preparing for the new low carbon cars.

"We are looking at six key policy areas: environmental performance; infrastructure; regulation; behaviour change; industry development; and renewable energy.

"We want to ensure Queensland is well prepared for the introduction of electric cars, which may help cut emissions across our State significantly.

"The Roadmap public consultation in mid 2010 attracted an excellent public response from key stakeholder organisations and interested individuals. The Government is currently considering submission feedback and will respond publicly by the end of the year."

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the first mass-produced electric vehicle approved for use on Australian roads.

The first shipment of 20 new cars is being delivered to members of the Mitsubishi Foundation Customer Group this week, including governments and organisations around Australia.

With a range of up to 160 kilometres per charge, the i-MiEV offers drivers a cleaner, greener alternative to city driving and travel across shorter distances.

The car boasts a top speed of 130 kilometres per hour and has all the usual amenities of a small petrol vehicle, including airbags, fully-certified for driving on Australian roads.

Ms Jones said the Queensland Government's vehicle will be trialled to test its performance under Queensland conditions and will also be made available for public demonstration and consumer awareness activities.

"The Bligh Government is committed to reducing emissions associated with household transport, energy use and waste by one-third by 2020," she said.

"The handover of the new i-MiEV today is an important step towards achieving this goal."

Source: www.getmachinery.com.au