UKTI Lisbon’s electric vehicles workshop opens up opportunities for UK companies

UK delegation meets Portuguese contacts at event organised by UKTI Lisbon aimed at finding suitable customers and partners in Portugal.

UKT Lisbon’s recent Workshop on Electrical Vehicles was an excellent opportunity for British companies to showcase their capabilities to Portuguese buyers. As well as enabling participating British companies to meet potential new customers the workshop also offered the chance to follow-up with previously established contacts.

Help in identifying a local partner in this market is of utmost importance, as this is the easiest way to penetrate the market. For instance, when a project is announced through a public call for tender, bids must be submitted in Portuguese and the whole procedure is a lot easier with a local presence.

The event was a great success, outlining opportunities for UK companies in a market where there are significant tax and acquisition incentives for electric vehicles.

Presentations

The presentations given at the workshop are available below:

AVID Vehicles: Sustainable Vehicle Technology by Ryan Maughan of AVID Vehicles

EDP perspective on Electrical Vehicles by António Vidigal, EDP Inovação

Elecscoot: Affordability, reliability, performance by Andy Haddon, Business Development Director, Elecscoot

Electric Transport by Kevin Harkin, Sales & Marketing Director, Smith Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles: An Opportunity or Headache for Electricity Utilities? by Stephen Harkin, Delta Energy and Environment

MOBI.E Portuguese Electric Mobility Model by Luis Reis of INTELI

Personal transport in the UK: From pump to plug? by Dr Jeff Hardy, Knowledge Exchange Manager, UK Energy Research Centre

Sevcon by Ian Girdlestone, Business Development Manager UK Sales

The UK: a vision for ultra-low carbon vehicles by Dr Adam Cartwright of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles

Background

In 2009 the Portuguese Government launched the MOBI E - Portuguese Electric Mobility Programme. This Programme is part of the Government strategy to decrease emissions from road transportation and thus decreasing energy dependence. It also contributes to make full use of Portugal's ambitious policy on renewables; improve urban living conditions; and create jobs.

The Portuguese Government approved several mechanisms to support in achieving these objectives. Among others there it was approved €5000 direct subsidy on purchase plus €1500 from ELV programme (first 5000 EVs sold until the end of 2012). In terms of public procurement Portuguese government also committed to a 20% annual renewal of public car fleet with electric vehicles from 2011 onwards and a government direct purchase of 20 electrical vehicles for awareness and demonstration in 2010.

Also as part of the objectives is the establishment of a Public pilot infrastructure funding (320 charging points in 2010 and 1350 in 2011). Legislation issued by the Government also mandates pre-wiring in new buildings for slow charging points installation; fast charging points in freeways service stations; and implementation of a research, development and testing platform for electrical mobility management systems

Contacts

For further information about opportunities in this sector in Portugal please contact:

Email: frederico.lyra@fco.gov.uk