The Renault-Nissan Alliance has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Irish government and local energy supplier ESB which will put electric vehicles on Irish roads within two years.
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It’s the latest agreement the alliance has reached with countries as diverse as Israel and Denmark.
“This historic agreement”, said Irish energy minister Eamon Ryan, “is proof of government’s firm intention to act on the electrification of transport. Some months ago, I announced the government target to move to a 10% target of electric vehicles by 2020. Today’s MOU will help us not only realise, but surpass this target. We are well on our way and our streets will see the change very shortly”.
The MOU, signed by Ryan on behalf of the government and by ESB CEO Padraig McManus, will create favourable conditions for the distribution of electric vehicles to the Irish market by Renault-Nissan.
“In November, we sent a call to the market that Ireland was ‘open for business’ on electric cars. Our call has been answered by Renault-Nissan and I’d like to welcome them to the Irish market with this new product. Today we sign, what I hope will be the first of many agreements with interested companies”.
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By GlobalDataThe Irish government’s intentions are not product-exclusive.
“Today’s initiative will transform our streets, will cut carbon emissions and change the face of transport in Ireland,” he said. “This collaboration will provide the world with a model for how electric vehicles can be achieved globally. We will continue to press ahead”.
McManus described the development as an “an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate its leadership in the green revolution, including in electric transport”.
“ESB has set out its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2035 and carbon-neutral electricity will power an emissions-free transport system. ESB will roll out a charging network to support the development. We will guarantee open access to all electricity suppliers and car manufacturers and can ensure adherence to the strictest safety standards for the recharging points”, he said.
“The roll-out of electric vehicles will provide major employment opportunities in a number of areas”, he said.
Andrew Palmer, senior vice president, Nissan Motor Company, said the Renault-Nissan Alliance looked forward to a successful partnership with Ireland.
“We regard Ireland as a leader in the EV project. Demography and political support make Ireland one of the most suitable locations for a large scale roll out of electric vehicles. Renault and Nissan are particularly pleased to be working with the Irish government and ESB in putting in place the correct conditions to support electric transport”.
