THE future is looking greener for Canberra drivers.

Today, the ACT Electric Vehicle Council revealed their latest promotional addition – a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The event coincided with the Federal Government’s announcement of four Green Car Innovation Fund grants, worth more than $6.2m, to help bring new technologies, skills and job creation to Australian manufacturing.

“The whole purpose of the ACT Electric Vehicle Council is to encourage the proliferation of electric vehicles in Canberra and Australia, to educate people and dispel any the myths,” chairman Ivan Slavich said.

He said the key event to help educate the public perception of electric vehicles would be the Canberra International Electric Vehicle Festival, to be held on September 25.

“Last year the festival attracted 7000 people, I wouldn’t be surprised if we attracted 10,000 to 20,000 people this year,” he said.

“It’s gained interest all over Australian and internationally – it’s the largest display of electric vehicles in Australia.”

Mr Slavich said he envisaged a future for Canberra drivers which saw most car parks with electric charge points. He said new technologies for electric cars include battery exchange – for quicker car re-charge.

The electric car network company Better Place, which currently has a growing number of charge spots  for cars in Canberra, will soon be making an announcement on a new initiative for the capital.