22. Aug 2010 - 07:00Einar Ragnar Jónsson
Based on the assessment of a specialist writing for the New York Times, Iceland is a superb center for electric car development given its emphasis on renewable energies, and technological capacities. His article has been published in numerous foreign news media.
Jim Motavalli is co-organizing the conference Driving Sustainability 2010, which will discuss the new energy sources being used in transportation, including the sources soon-to-be implemented in Reykjavík come this autumn.
Optimistic, he asserts that fifteen charge centers in the country will suffice due to the concentrated population distribution in the southwest part of the island. This, alongside its sustainable energy production, enables the country to be an ideal testing ground for the commonplace use of electrical cars.
Given its bountiful renewable energy sources, Iceland does not depend on coal for its energy. Motavalli hopes that an experiment of this scale would hush up critics claiming that the electric cars would cause major pollution indirectly, due to them being run with energy produced from coals.
Sadly, the economic depression is slowing the project’s progress, as is the difficulty of getting the electric cars on the streets. However, it has not diminished the interest for exciting eco-friendlier transportation options, says Motavalli. Even the President of Iceland is interested, he says after having formally met the President just over a year ago.
An agreement with Mitsubishi about the importation of i-MiEV electrical cars is now in the works. Sadly, there is concern about the car’s usages and people’s interest within Iceland. One wonders whether the tycoon Gísli Gíslasson is considering whether or not to import Indian Revas electrical cars, to ensure the project's survival.
He says, with a slight hint of prophesy, “It is not strange to believe that the current electricity gurus of the world have Iceland on their minds, given that no other country can initiate an overhaul [of electric cars] so quickly.”
Iceland’s technology-oriented frenzy doesn’t hurt either. Motavalli believes that Iceland would be quick to claim the electrical car for itself – despite the dismal economy.
He then playfully personifies the country, as if it were sweetly calling said gurus to pay Iceland some much-deserved attention: “ ‘Here we are,’ says Iceland, ‘have us in mind when you write your proposals about delivery.”
Will Iceland become the new world center for electricity-dependent cars? - Only time will tell.