Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and Environment Minister Alex Attwood have jointly launched the first conference dedicated to promoting the use of electric vehicles or ecars in Northern Ireland.

The three day conference and test drive event at Titanic Belfast aims to further increase awareness in the business community and with private motorists and students about the benefits that ecars now offer.

Speaking on the opening day of the event Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "eDrive has something for everyone, whether you care about our environment or follow the changing face of vehicle technology.

"Business users, private motorists and our next generation of drivers can for the first time come together in one place to hear industry experts discuss the benefits of the latest cutting edge vehicle developments and how they can help protect our environment now and in the future.

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"Two out of every three vehicle journeys made in Northern Ireland are less than five miles and with the range of ecars easily in excess of over 100 miles many businesses and private motorists now have a choice when considering a replacement vehicle. The eDrive event is where everyone can find out more."

Several hundred visitors and delegates are expected to attend the free event and book a test drive.

The opening day of the event (Wednesday 6 March) will see over 250 invited students attend, while the second day (Thursday 7 March) focuses on the business community. Hosted by Quentin Willson, guest speakers will outline the real environmental and cost benefits that electric vehicles offer to business.

Mr Attwood said: "Transport is one of the highest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland. The use of electric vehicles, ideally powered by electricity from renewable sources, is an excellent way to decarbonise transport and contribute to our climate change, air quality and noise objectives.

"The ecar project is embracing the future with technology that is changing the way we think about transport.

"I am always pleased to see businesses looking at new ways in which they can play their part in protecting and improving our environment. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are an essential part of the transition towards a low-carbon economy."

(CD/GK)