Vision Launches Wuling Air Ev

Fiji could be left behind by at least a decade if it waits for lower end priced electric vehicles to make the market, Vision Motors said yesterday, as it launched the arrival of Wuling Air Electric Vehicles.

The Wuling Air EVs can run up to 300 kilometres at half the cost of fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engines (ICE), Vision Motors national manager Jagdish Chand, said.

Designed for city runs, with a speedometer maxed at 100 km, the EVs can be charged at home.

It takes a maximum of 11 hours to fully charge.

Proposal

The Government needed to step up on its commitment for global programmes, Mr Chand, told guests at the launch in Suva.

Vision Motors has proposed that the Government consider:

Forfeiting registration costs for vehicle owners for the first three years via Land Transport Authority.

Dedicated parking spaces closest to building parameters in commercial car parks.

Subsidy on the purchase of electric vehicles where a $10,000 grant was offered for an electric vehicle.

Infrastructure for a network of charging stations around the country, with the focus on major urban centres and tourist destinations.

Research and development on electric vehicle technology, including development of locally produced EVs and its components.

Regulations and standards to be established for the importation registration and maintenance of EVs, and appropriate insurance policies.

Vision Motors was established in Fiji in 2014, and is synonymous with the American brand Chevrolet.

“We see it timely to introduce EVs to our range of products as there is the global shift from conventional ICE to environmentally friendly motor vehicles,” Mr Chand said.

“Electric vehicles will become the norm a household name in the motor industry.”

 Story By:  Frederica Elbourne

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