Saturday, March 28, 2009

AMSTERDAM PROMOTES ELECTRIC CARS & BOATS


Radio Netherlands Worldwide:- Amsterdam aims to make virtually all the vehicles in the city electric by 2040. The 'Amsterdam Electric' scheme was launched today by the city's environment alderman Marijke Vos, in a bid to cut exhaust emissions. The goal is to have 200,000 battery-driven vehicles in Amsterdam in 30 years' time.

The city council plans to realise 200 charging stations by 2012, with the first of them ready by the summer this year. It proposes to introduce financial incentives for people to buy electric cars. Special parking spaces will also be reserved for electric vehicles. Owners will be able to park at a reduced fee, and will be given priority when applying for residents' parking permits. At present there is a five-year waiting list for a permit in the centre of Amsterdam; without one, motorists pay up to five euros an hour to park.

According to the plan launched today by the Green Left party alderman, the tourist boats that ply Amsterdam's 17th-century canals will also switch to electricity in the coming years. The council promises to set an example by purchasing electric vehicles for its own fleet.


Photo: 100% electric and plastic car, the Dutch-made QUICC! DiVa

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