Better Place announces network Foundation Members
Jul 26, 2011
Category: Press Release
Canberra, Tuesday 26 July 2011: Better Place today made an early start on its deployment timeline by announcing the first exclusive group of leading organisations who will support the initial roll-out of its electric car charge network in Canberra.
The 12 Canberra Charge Network Foundation Members are: the ACT Government, the ACT Electric Vehicle Council, ActewAGL, Canberra Airport, Capital Hotel Group, CIC Australia, Crowne Plaza, Hindmarsh, Lend Lease, the National Convention Centre, Rock Development Group, and TransACT. Public access charge spots will be installed at prominent locations operated by these members.
The ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, today joined with Better Place Australia CEO Evan Thornley to welcome the milestone.
“This collaboration between Better Place, the ACT Government, and a range of Canberra’s leading businesses is a great example of the way the public and private sectors can work together for a common goal,” Mr Thornley said.
“Better Place has been actively working with three of our Foundation Members, the ACT Government, ActewAGL and Rock Development Group, for a number of years now. Adding nine of Canberra’s most recognisable brands to our stable of charge spot providers gives Canberra drivers the backbone of a comprehensive charge network across the ACT region which will continue to grow over time.
“Today’s announcement is the next step in the installation of Better Place’s full charge network in the region. It is the next step towards zero emissions driving in our nation’s capital, and the introduction of mainstream electric cars that will be affordable and convenient for Canberra drivers,” Mr Thornley said.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher supported today’s announcement and the key role it will play in assisting the
ACT Government to achieve its emissions reduction target of 40% by 2020.
“The ACT Government is pleased to be involved with this initiative here in Canberra with Better Place and the other Foundation Members of the electric car charge network, who are committed to reducing pollution. Making the transition from petrol to electric driving in this region is one of the most positive ways Canberra citizens can reduce their carbon emissions, decrease pollution and preserve our quality of life.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that positive change can be achieved through the cooperation and partnership of business and citizens. I am pleased that Canberra is the first city in which Better Place will roll out its electric car charge network and I congratulate those with the vision to make it happen,” the Chief Minister said.
Better Place recently signed its first power purchase agreement with ActewAGL, worth $60 million over 10 years, to purchase 100% renewable energy for the electric car charge network in Canberra.
Better Place previously announced it would begin rolling-out its electric car charge network in Canberra during the fourth quarter of 2011, with Renault Fluence Z.E. cars due to arrive for the first Canberra customers from the middle of 2012.