Green light for electric cars in Australia

Mitsubishi's MiEV electric car.

MELBOURNE - The federal government has given an electric car the green light to drive on Australian roads.

Designed and produced in Japan by Mitsubishi, the plug-in electric car can be driven 160km at speeds of up to 130km/h when fully charged.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the all-electric design brought Australia a step closer to emissions-free driving.

Test-driving the first electric car to receive federal registration approval after it passed 83 safety requirements, he said the design was a win for the challenges of climate change.

"If powered by 100 per cent green energy (the car) would result in no emissions," Mr Albanese told reporters.

He admitted there was no infrastructure for electric car drivers at service stations to recharge, but said the car could be plugged into domestic household supplies.

Because of longer distances, the current model is unsuitable for country dwellers, and would be targeted towards city commuters.

"Given that 85 per cent of Australians drive less than 100km a day, this vehicle would suit the lifestyles of most in our community," Mr Albanese said.

"Australia is the most urbanised country on earth - most of our citizens live in our cities around the coast.

"In terms of dealing with issues of reducing carbon pollution ... but also the effect of smog in our cities, the effect of noise pollution, all of those are advantaged by this vehicle."

While the initial cost of the car was higher than comparable vehicles, long-term savings could be made without petrol bills.

"The government has not been asked to provide incentives - this is a commercial operation by Mitsubishi," he said.

Mitsubishi in Japan will enter large-scale production in June for the domestic market, but approval to sell the car in Australia has yet to be granted.

- AAP