The delivery of eight electric vehicles to the Aran Islands, has signalled the start of a new practical study on how integrating renewable energy, electric transport, storage heating and other environmental initiatives, can lead to more sustainable and cost effective energy use.

The project, conceived by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is a joint initiative by Electric Vehicle suppliers Green Machines, Merrion Fleet Management and Smart Metering specialists Klockner Moeller Ireland Ltd. It involves the use of electric Mega e-City vehicles that are recharged using mainly renewable energy sources.

As part of the study, the participants will use the Mega e-Citys, as everyday transport. This car is produced by the French Manufacture Axiam - Mega Group, which makes some 15,000 electric vehicles per year. Their charging patterns and usage of electricity will be monitored and managed through a smart metering system.

The Aran Islands are seen as ideal for this study, as they are said to offer a micro version of the Island of Ireland. The hope is that this experiment can show the viability of such energy and transport systems for everyday use.

The organisers believe the running costs of the cars should be no more than €200 per year in terms of charging, substantially less than the equivalent cost of petrol or diesel. There are also benefits in terms of reduced emissions.