KUALA LUMPUR: The lot is filled with vehicles, large and small, but off in one little corner is a small red car, unassuming. Detak Ahmad, the manager of the lot in Malaysia's capital, says that is the future for the country. “Electric is where we want to go and the government seems ready to make it happen,” he tells Bikyamasr.com. “I think we all can agree that electric cars save money and are great for the environment. Plus they are small.” And Malaysia's government agress, announcing an ambitious plan this week to have some 15 percent electric vehicles on the road by 2020. Minister of Energey, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said that the government has begun the Fleet Test Vehicles (FTV) Program and hopes to set requirements for the production of new electric vehicles. He said that 120 EV's will be on the road in Putrajaya and Cyberjaya by year-end. “The result of the implementation and data compiled in the FTV Program will become the input for the development of the Electric Vehicle Masterplan in Malaysia. “If the result shows a positive reception to the EV in the country, its percentage will increase and our investment into infrastructure such as the charging stations will also go up. “We have a ballpark figure. We hope to achieve between 10-15 percent of our motor vehicle population, in an effort to reduce the carbon dioxide emission by 2020,” he added. Chin said 9 EVs, that is three from the Saga electric and 6 of the Exora Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) models, had been tested around Putrajaya and Cyberjaya since last year. “Seven recharging stations have now been set up,” he added. The FTV Program is a collaboration between Chin's Ministry, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Proton. Other than Proton, Chin said Nissan and Mitsubishi had also made ready 10 EVs to undertake another pioneer project around Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, and expected to begin in June this year. “It is hoped that the implementation of the pioneer project in a congested area such as Bukit Bintang, will provide input for my ministry in developing the Electric Vehicle Masterplan and encourage the use of such vehicles in the country,” he added. And for Malaysians, it is an optimistic move that hopes to set a new path for the country toward environmental security and better economic practice. Residents are excited, they tell Bikyamasr.com. “I am certainly looking forward to when they are affordable and accessible, because it will be great to save money and save our planet,” said one car shopper in Kuala Lumpur. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/kao67 Tags: Electric Car, featured, Going Green, Malaysia, Program Section: Business, Environment, Features, Going Green, Latest News, Southeast Asia
