Background European Union countries have promoted sustainable development since the mid-1990s. In particular, the EU signed the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to curb carbon dioxide emissions at national and global scale. Electric vehicles are increasingly seen as a valuable tool to achieve emissions reductions. The technical features of electric cars are progressively improving, making them more accessible to a wider constituency of drivers. Objectives The main objective of the DemoEV project was to conduct the first demonstration of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malta, by distributing a sample of vehicles to volunteers. The aim was to monitor these drivers to generate data to assess the potential for carbon savings in comparison with standard mobility habits, with a key monitoring distinction being between EVs charged via the electricity grid and charged via photovoltaic (PV) panels. Specific objectives included an assessment of carbon neutrality for second-generation EVs recharged using PV panels on buildings; to convince the target audience to switch to electro-mobility; and to study the environmental and economic efficiency of EVs and different recharging methods. Results The DemoEV project, led by the MTI in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, Transport Malta, and the Enemalta Corporation, demonstrated, tested and evaluated the implementation of electro-mobility in Malta. A key innovation was that DemoEV vehicles were driven by private citizens and companies who used them as their regular household or business car. This enabled a realistic analysis of feasibility, car efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the Maltese context. The DemoEV project purchased a fleet of 24 battery electric vehicles (EVs): 18 vehicles of an M1 category and 6 goods-carrying vehicles (N1 category). The project team installed 90 EV charging points in various localities in Malta and Gozo, with the cooperation of the Maltese Lands Department and local councils. These charging points were networked and drivers could find their location on the project website (http://www.electricvehiclesmalta.eu) or via smartphone, and could book using an online system developed by the project for a particular charging time slot. This service also enabled users to verify energy consumption and costs. Charging points were initially subsidised (up to December 2014). An 18-month demonstration period was conducted, involving 130 private citizens, commercial entities, and non-governmental and government bodies, each making use of an EV for their day-to-day business over a period of 8 weeks. A total of almost 300 000 km was clocked by DemoEV vehicles. Over 170 participants attended training sessions on the operation and functioning of the EVs. Participants’ perceptions of EVs was monitored through surveys, to compare their views before and after the demonstration exercise. The project conducted a substantial dissemination media campaign, including billboards, TV adverts, print media, social networking and press conferences. DemoEV cars were also present at many events relating to motoring sports, school activities and the environment, to promote the concept of electric mobility. A marketing campaign was conducted with the involvement of numerous DemoEV participants. The project’s market research activities showed a marked increase in overall positive perception on EVs as a result of the project’s activities. Due to the scale of the demonstration project, Malta was able to provide a test model for decision making related to EV technology, for example, regarding charging infrastructure. The project’s findings are applicable to other countries, particularly islands and small states. Networking activities were conducted with several other projects around Europe working on similar initiatives, with similar-sized regions and islands being identified that would most benefit from the LIFE project’s experience. The project calculated greenhouse gas (GHG) savings (emissions/km). The total mean net saving during the project was calculated as 21.6% of equivalent GHG emissions from internal combustion engines. The net savings amounted to a total of 15 tonnes CO2 over the 300 000 km covered in the project. In a 2020 scenario for 5 000 EVs, this would roughly translate to 13 958 tonnes CO2. It was calculated that a 4.6 kWP photovoltaic (PV) installation (off-grid and dedicated to battery EV charging) generates sufficient electricity for a single charge of 20 kWh, equivalent to daily car useage. Such PV installation sizes are common on Maltese houses and public buildings. In reality most PV systems are grid connected, so it is more logical to assume that in most cases electricity generated by the system will be fed to the grid and then energy used for charging reabsorbed from the grid. The DemoEV project contributed towards the attainment of a carbon-neutral road transportation system in Malta by putting into practice a demonstration of electro-mobility. This can help Malta reach targets in the EU 2020 Climate Change and Energy package, and has helped implement the National Air Quality Plan and the Malta National Electro-mobility Action Plan (MNEAP). The project made Maltese citizens more aware of the impact of their driving habits and of alternatives to fossil fuel powered vehicles. Malta currently imports all its fuel, but could produce locally the energy required to power EVs. The DemoEV project showed that significant reductions in traffic noise and air pollution could result from widespread uptake of EV in Malta. In socio-economic terms, additional jobs will be created to cater for the new vehicle technology. New electric vehicle ranges started arriving in Malta in 2013 (e.g. the Renault Zoe and the Kia Soul) prior to DemoEV’s final conference, which was attended by representatives from these and other companies involved in EVs; all interested in the project’s findings and Malta’s drive towards electro-mobility. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).