Nov 06, 2009 | Amsterdam Amsterdam puts charging network for electric cars into use
Today the municipality of Amsterdam, in partnership with energy company Nuon and network company Alliander, put the charging network Amsterdam Elektrisch into operation. Everyone with an electric car, motorcycle or scooter can park and charge free at these charging stations. The charging stations are located at strategic places in the city, including the Westergasfabriek site, Piet Heinkade and Amsteldijk. Seven Amsterdammers who are already using electric transport received the first charging cards from alderman Gerson (Traffic) and alderman Vos (Environment). There will be 200 charging stations in the city within the next two years.
Some of the charging stations have been specially designed for cars, some for scooters and motorcycles. There is already at least one regular user of each of the charging stations. Everyone with an electric car, motorcycle or scooter can apply for a card via www.nuon.nl/elektrischvervoer and make free use of the network. Electric transport is good for air quality and the climate because it emits no hazardous substances and because the technology makes it considerably more economical, which leads to lower CO2 emissions.
Surveys among Amsterdammers
A survey carried out earlier by Stadspeil on behalf of Nuon showed the need for more charging posts in Amsterdam. More than half of the residents of Amsterdam are considering buying an electric vehicle at some stage. Almost 27% of them prefer an electric scooter and 54% an electric car. Nearly three quarters of respondents agree with the statement that electric transport has a future. Better air quality in the city is regarded as the greatest benefit of electric transport. Additional benefits are climate-friendliness through lower emissions and the lack of stench and noise nuisance. Drawbacks mentioned are the purchase price and the current lack of charging posts.
Widespread network of charging stations
In addition to 100 street-side charging stations there will be 100 charging stations at P+R sites, car parks and car sharing points and on quaysides for electric boats. Together they form a network of 200 charging stations that will open in Amsterdam over the coming two years. The aim is that in 2015 there will be 10,000 electric vehicles and a widespread network of charging stations in the city.
The municipality of Amsterdam also presented the ‘Nederland Elektrisch’ logo, which is based on the Amsterdam Elektrisch logo. Amsterdam is keen for the logo to grow into the national and international logo for electric transport.
Laurien van Velzen, spokesperson for Vos
Telephone: +31 (0)6 51 77 98 09
Rinske Wieman, spokesperson for Gerson
Telephone: +31 (0)6 20 91 49 46
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