While the world’s leaders debate climate change at the Copenhagen summit, 14 major cities have come together to form the C40 Electric Vehicle Network at the Climate Summit for Mayors in the Danish capital.

The initial members of the network will be: Bogota, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Copenhagen, Delhi, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Seoul and Sydney. They will collaborate with four vehicle manufacturers and the Clinton Climate Initiative to focus on the developments needed to make electric vehicles a reality for day-to-day commuters.

The cities will plan and deploy charging infrastructure and related electricity supply systems; work with stakeholders to streamline processes associated with charging equipment; co-ordinate monetary and non-monetary incentives to the general public and organisations; and develop a plan to mobilise demand for electric vehicles for the period 2010-2013.

The four manufacturers involved are BYD Auto, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan and Renault. They will inform cities on electric vehicle policies as well as vehicle procurement and infrastructure investments. As part of the C40’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the city of Hong Kong will also host a workshop on electric vehicles in 2010.