-SCOTLAND'S largest research project into the use of electric cars has more than doubled in size.
The project, launched last August, examines how long the vehicles can run on one charge, how cost effective they are and how they perform in different conditions.
-Four cars were initially distributed in Edinburgh and Dalkeith but a further five have since been put into use. Three charging points have been built by students and staff at the college.
-An event next month, organised by The Scotsman Conferences and Jewel & Esk College, will unveil the results of the first six months of the study. The 12-month study is part of a planned renewable energy and low-carbon technologies centre in the merged Jewel & Esk, Stevenson and Telford colleges.
-The conference on 28 March will address issues such as upfront costs of electric vehicles, availability of charge points, and driver anxiety over the distance they can cover, said organisers. Transport minister Keith Brown will be amongst the speakers.
-The South East Scotland Transport Partnership has funded the project £25,000 with support from the Scottish Government and Midlothian Council.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/green_light_for_electric_car_project_to_expand_1_2113759
