July 19, 2023: A new series of films commissioned by South West College will showcase the latest electric vehicles available to motorists living in the border region and will examine the impact of the existing charging network and network upgrade plans on the behaviour of drivers.
The series is produced in support of the FASTER Project which has received €6.4 million EU funding under the INTERREG VA programme. The project is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to support the transition to electric vehicles and sustainable transport use across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Border Region). Match funding for the project has been provided by Transport Scotland, while additional funds have been contributed by the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and the Department for Transport (Republic of Ireland).
Initial production work on the series has been carried out by Dublin based One Productions with filming taking place in both Enniskillen and Newry earlier this Summer and production work will continue in the coming months across the border region as new rapid charging infrastructure being deployed through the FASTER Project is installed in more than 30 locations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Motoring journalist Caroline Kidd has been appointed to present the review series and will take viewers on a journey through some of the region’s most scenic locations while analysing the performance, benefits and affordability of the electric vehicles being showcased. Caroline will be joined by guest contributors in each film including former Rugby International, Peter Bracken, rally driver, Toni Kelly and media personality, Paulo Ross.
Speaking about the launch of the series, Donal Monaghan, FASTER Project Officer, South West College said;
‘South West College is proud to launch this new series of the EV Talk films and showcase the range of vehicles that are currently available to motorists living in the border region who are considering the switch to electric. The first series which concluded earlier this year has had over 200,000 online views to date and we expect that the new films will continue to generate the same level of interest and debate.
While the FASTER Project delivers new charging infrastructure across the border region and of course in Western Scotland, it is important to address motorist concerns and mis-information which exists in the public space about electric vehicles, therefore we hope that these films can play a part in easing any fears about the transition to electric.’
One Productions’ Brian Dunster who has been directing the films added;
‘One Productions are thrilled to be working alongside South West College on this brand new series for the FASTER Project. Across 5 Days between the border of Southern and Northern Ireland we test drove 5 fantastic electric cars with our wonderful presenter Caroline Kidd and a host of special guests. EV driving is the way of the future and we're here to smash those misconceptions and debunk any myths around EVs.
Our aim is to educate and excite the viewers in the prospect of owning one of these incredible cars. This was a wonderful series to work on and one we're immensely proud to share.
Motoring journalist, electric vehicle enthusiast and presenter, Caroline Kidd said;
"I'm delighted to be working with South West College on the production of this new series of films for the FASTER Project. Electric cars help to reduce the negative impacts of transport on climate and the environment, while also contributing to cleaner air quality in our towns and cities. Electric vehicle infrastructure projects like the FASTER Project are worthwhile because they help get us to a cleaner, more sustainable future...faster!
It was great fun working with the excellent production team and some of the best electric cars on the market right now. Not to forget our wonderful guests, who each had a very interesting perspective to share with us on the wider uptake of EVs. I hope this series puts a spotlight on the benefits of going electric and adds positively to public perception of living with an electric car."
The first episode of the new series is now available below and teasers for the episode are also available via the FASTER Project’s social media channels. New episodes will drop monthly until December.