A new cleaner, greener era in Queensland motoring is just around the corner with the launch today of the state's first public electric vehicle (EV) charging station on the Sunshine Coast.

Opening the ChargePoint facility at 'Village Green on Mons', Environment Minister Vicky Darling said low emission technologies - like electric vehicles - are on track to become a serious alternative to diesel and petrol-powered vehicles for Queensland motorists.

"Electric vehicles offer consumers a zero-emission transport option when recharged with 100 per cent renewable energy and we want Queensland to be in a position to really embrace the benefits," Ms Darling said.

"I commend the developers of Village Green on Mons, JKM Trust, for their vision in partnering with ChargePoint to establish the first public EV re-charging facility in Queensland.

"By choosing sustainable building products and linking with local communities and transport networks like JKM Trust have, developments can make a real difference."

A government report released last year - An Electric Vehicles Roadmap for Queensland - outlined how the state can best position itself to take best advantage of the new low carbon form of transportation. The report is being updated to take account of latest technologies, trials and carbon price policies.

Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan took a test drive of an electric vehicle to attend today's event.

"Major car companies such as Renault-Nissan and Mitsubishi already have their EV models on the market here," Mr Ryan said.

"As more players enter the market in the coming years, we are likely to see the price of EVs come down to compete with standard petrol vehicles.

"The government report recognises that we need to be prepared for a market transformation if we are serious about reducing transport-related emissions as Queensland's population and associated car use continues to grow.

"In 2007, the average car accounted for almost half of all transport-related greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland, equivalent to more than 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

"Reducing transport-related emissions by encouraging Queenslanders to drive electric vehicles will also help us meet our Q2 target to cut our carbon footprint by one third with reduced car and electricity use by 2020.

"Around 90 per cent of drivers in south-east Queensland typically travel less than 100 kilometres each day.

"Given that today's electric vehicles generally have a range over 100 kilometres, they offer a cleaner, greener alternative to the average petrol car.

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

10/08/2011