City ‘in negotiations for electric car trial’

Kim Waters
GEELONG is negotiating to host a trial of electric cars with charging stations around the city, according to council documents.
A report to this week’s council meeting revealed City Hall officers were “currently investigating” potential for a memorandum of understanding with international firm Better Place Electric Vehicles.
The company provided “leading electric vehicle services and infrastructure to improve efficiency in the electricity sector and help reduce carbon emissions”, the officers’ report said.
The report revealing the electric car bid was included in an agenda item recommending a trip to Japan for councillor John Doull to attend a biodiversity conference.
The trip would also provide a chance for Cr Doull to discuss the proposed trial with Better Place executives in Japan.
“Attendance at the Better Place Electric Vehicles Visitor Centre provides the opportunity to learn more about the project, infrastructure requirements and the global transition to electric transportation,” the report said.
Mayor John Mitchell used the trial bid to hit back at some councillors’ accusations the Japan trip was “just a talkfest” and “not exactly necessary”.
Cr Mitchell said council had to act quickly to secure the Better Place trial.
“There are other councils out there who are interested in this,” he said.
Councillor Andy Richards backed the trip, saying Better Place has “made it clear” Geelong was in its “top two cities” for the trial.
“I think this is an idea worth pursuing because it will taker carbon-based vehicles off the road,” he said.
Cr Doull said he was “delighted” to take the $4300 trip in place of the mayor who was unable to accept the invitation. Cr Doull said he had requested a template for writing reports on trips after criticism of his report on a trip late last year to Denmark’s Copenhagen climate change summit.
The Australian chief executive officer of Better Place is former state Labor MP Evan Thornley.