Check out Dr. Sam Hancock's blog:
Ancient Beginnings to Modern Technologies: Carinthia and Austria Leading the Way for the European Union through Energy Independence 'Best Practices'
The "Lebensland Kaernten" Project - Sustainability-Environment-Alternative Energy
"In the future, Austria shall make using electric vehicles as easy and convenient as any European country."
"Lebensland Kaernten" aims to build infrastructure for Carinthia's eMobility sector, to develop new mobility concepts, and to promote economic growth in the fields of eMobility and renewable energy production.
Experts agree that we cannot continue to power our vehicles with fossil fuels indefinitely. Thus, we expect that eVehicles will soon constitute a significant portion of the entire volume of vehicular transportation. As a number of studies have projected, this portion could be as high as 20 to 30% by 2020. To reach this ambitious goal, and to meet future technological requirements, it is crucial that we begin to implement adequate measures today.
Faced with serious environmental concerns on the one hand, and ever-rising fuel costs on the other, it is clear that we need to radically (and collectively) change the ways in which we produce and consume energy. In fact, some of these changes are already taking place -- here, in Carinthia. Through the widespread use of eVehicles and renewable energy, as well as through major improvements in public transportation, Carinthia has been at the forefront of this ongoing transformation.
Our vision
In collaboration with numerous partners, "Lebensland Kaernten" currently pursues a two-fold strategy: one, to build a Carinthia-wide, comprehensive network of public charging points for eVehicles of all kinds; and two, to promote the production of renewable energy, in order to supply those charging points with "green" electricity. Moreover, "Lebensland" offers a series of incentives to Carinthians who consider to make the switch to eMobility.
The "Lebensland Kaernten" concept for the future of mobility in Carinthia includes the following components:
* A comprehensive network of public charging points, to make the eMobility option both feasible and convenient for all Carinthians
* Facilities for the production of renewable energy, to absorb the expected increase in electricity consumption by eVehicles
* Financial incentives for the purchase of eVehicles of all kinds
* A network of retail outlets, as well as a solid, Carinthia-wide service & maintenance infrastructure for eVehicles
* Most importantly, the dissemination of information and educational materials to Carinthia's citizens and businesses, who need their urgent eMobility questions answered, and their fears or misconceptions addressed
Our project also relies strongly on collaborative efforts with our numerous partners, and we continue to take part in several joint ventures that promote "green" mobility solutions.
Thanks to the unique "Lebensland Kaernten" project, Carinthia has become a model region with regard to alternative mobility and renewable energy production.
Consequently, "Lebensland" fully complies with the EU Commission's roadmap for the introduction of eMobility across Europe.