Electromobility represents the concept of using electric
powertrain technologies, in-vehicle information, and communication technologies
and connected infrastructures to enable the electric propulsion of vehicles and
fleets. Powertrain technologies include full electric vehicles and plug-in
hybrids, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that convert hydrogen into
electricity. Electromobility efforts are motivated by the need to address fuel
efficiency and emission requirements, as well as market demands for lower
operational costs.
Malta’s objectives might be different from those of France
and Germany.These two countries are the prime movers behind electromobility
mainly because of their automotive industry. Besides the environmental concerns
that these countries have, their respective automotive industry is a major
contributor to their national economic stability. For example, the main
objective of the German Government is to become a world leader in the provision
of this technology. Consequently Malta’s objective is to be a net beneficiary
and receiver of this technology. On a per capita basis, it is also in the
interest of the automotive industry to facilitate market uptake of this
technology in Malta.
Keeping in mind that power generation in Malta is set to
become cleaner with the use of natural gas and the completion of the
Malta-Italy inter-connector for the purchase of cleaner generated electricity,
the environmental benefits for Malta are bound to leap forward.
Coupled with this scenario, Government’s effort to increase
the deployment of photovoltaic technology will also contribute to the provision
of cleaner transport, when charging of electric vehicles takes place in
establishments where PV infrastructure is available and the offset of solar
energy production against car charging is taken into consideration.
The launching of the Malta National Electromobility Platform
(MNEP) is a cornerstone in the Government’s policy on the electrification of
transport.
In a short time span, the Government has come up with a
programme which can be implemented in a concrete manner with the participation
of all the stakeholders involved. Representation in the MNEP cuts across almost
all sectors of the economy. The MNEP is committed to promote a change in
culture of how we look at mobility and transportation in general. This ranges
from instilling the concept of eco-driving to planning one’s journey from point
of departure to point of destination.
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