The International Electric Vehicle Symposium will reward the three most sustainable cities in the world

The World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) will honour the world’s three most sustainable cities at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS27) through the E-Visionaries Awards. These awards recognise the effort made by those regions and territories that are pioneers in the development of initiatives that promote the electric vehicle as a sustainable transport alternative. The deadline for cities wishing to participate is September 1st.

The winning cities stand out for their clean, efficient transport policy as well as their projects to turn electric mobility into a reality. This recognition by the WEVA, that holds these awards every 18 months, make these cities world benchmarks in zero-emission transport and are an example to be followed in other areas.

Each candidate will have to demonstrate an extended commitment to electric mobility and highlight their concern and long-term programmes geared to improving the quality of life of its in habitants by adopting electric modes of transport and reducing CO2 levels. To be specific, the number of electric vehicles being driven in the city, the quantity of charge points (fast and slow), the legislation in force and the tax applied to this type of vehicle will be some of the criteria that will be taken into account  by the E-Visionary judges.

Each WEVA member will choose a winner according to the territory they represent. While the EDTA (Electric Drive Transportation Association) will assess American capitals and the EVAAP (Electric Vehicle Association of Asia Pacific) will assess regions in Asia, the AVERE (European Association for Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) will cover the European and African cities that wish to opt for this reward.

The event is open to all cities that promote sustainable mobility. The application deadline is September 1st. The awards will be presented during the closing ceremony of the EVS27, November 20th in Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre.

Last year’s winners at EVS26 were Los Angeles (USA), for America, Lisbon (Portugal), which triumphed over other European cities, and Seoul (Korea) in the case of Asia.

About the EVS27
The EVS27 is recognised as the global electric transportation industry’s premier forum. Barcelona is holding it for the first time after winning the bid to host this event over other European cities in an international tender. The symposium, which will be held from November 17th to 20th, will bring together academic, government and industry leaders from around the world who will explore the technical challenges involved in a paradigm shift towards use of more sustainable transportation. It will also feature an exhibition area dedicated to the latest innovations in electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell transport and recharging infrastructure.

Created in 1964 and targeting mainly professionals, EVS27 is organised jointly by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), through the European Association for Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (AVERE) and the Spanish Association for the promotion of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (AVELE) and Fira de Barcelona.

Barcelona, 21st August 2013