A report on the feasibility of using electric vehicles (EVs) on the Island will be delayed until late February.

BELCO and Government originally joined forces last year to study the possibilities and impacts of adding electric cars, bikes and trucks to Bermuda's transportation grid through a joint Electric Vehicle Demonstration Committee (EVDC).

The EVDC arranged for a loan of four EVs - two Chevy S-10 pick-ups and two smaller GEMs - from Georgia Power for testing with BELCO, the Ministry of Works and Engineering and the Corporation of Hamilton.

Last night EVDC chairman Rod Holloway said the vehicles are still on the Island but the special licensing granted for their use on Bermuda's roads had expired.

Mr. Holloway said BELCO intends to keep two of the vehicles for use in its fleet and negotiations are currently underway with George Power for their purchase.

However, the fate of the the other two vehicles is currently up in the air, he said.

While the impending report will detail the performance results of the vehicles tested, Mr. Holloway said it will also include comparative statistics on other EVs available locally, the environmental benefits or costs of the vehicles and a general discussion on future policy for Bermuda on EVs.

Mr. Holloway added that much of the global enthusiasm for moving towards EVs has been dampened by electric power shortages on the west coast of the United States.

However, Government is still considering a number of EV proposals, he added.