As the hybrid revolution gains more and more momentum, the supporting infrastructure will need to adapt too. North Sydney Council claims it is on track to be the first in Australia to install electric plug-in stations to meet the growing demand and expected uptake of hybrid cars. North Sydney Councilor Trent Zimmerman: “Firstly we need publicly-accessible recharging facilities throughout the municipality and secondly we need to start planning so all new residential and commercial developments have … the capabilities to have rechargeable facilities”. Particularly of note, Councilor Zimmerman said the council should change its parking fees to favour the use of hybrid cars.
Paris is taking the concept one step further, with a plan announced to provide electric cars that drivers can pick up and drop off anywhere in the city. A fleet of 4000 electric cars will be service by 700 pick-up points and recharge stations scattered across the city, with a computerised system which allows you as soon as you collect the car to announce where you’ll drop it off, so there will be a parking space available. Click here to read the full article on The Age website.
It’s great to see some fantastic initiatives, especially in our own local area, which are encouraging more sustainable transportation and supporting infrastructure. The car park of tomorrow could serve a much larger purpose than just a place to leave your vehicle!