ENEL, the Italian Electricity Board, has launched extensive programs of research, development and demonstration in the field of battery-powered vehicles, as the widespread use of electric vehicles should have a positive effect on the energy picture and the environment. Moreover, overnight battery recharging would contribute to the levelling of the electrical load -profile.
Possible near-term applications of electric vehicles have already been pinpointed within the framework of the activities of ENEL and other important Italian utilities.
Electric vans have been or are being developed in co-operation with Italian manufacturers.
More than 50 electric vehicles of different types have been already assigned to ENEL operational units for demonstration purposes.
Laboratory and on-the-road tests are planned to improve the vehicle and battery performance.