Taiwan's EPA to Subsidize Setting Up Battery Exchange Stations

Taipei, July 8, 2011 (CENS)--Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) under the Cabinet recently implemented a new law to subsidize building of electric-scooter battery exchange systems, encouraging private companies to set up such infrastructure in Taiwan, with the maximum per-station subsidy being NT$1.5 million (US$50,000).

Conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are greener than electric vehicles (EVs) but undermined by relatively shorter cruise range and lack of ubiquitous battery recharging facilities, says the EPA, which believes e-scooter riders can more easily access power supply with the establishment of extensive battery exchange systems.

The Department of Air Quality and Noise Control under the EPA says it plans to subsidize setting up 30 battery exchange stations in Taiwan initially, with such infrastructure expected to popularize e-scooters on the island.