DUBLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A government-funded campaign aimed at increasing public awareness about electric vehicles in Ireland was launched here on Wednesday.

Named "DrivingElectric", the campaign was launched inside a hall at Royal Dublin Society, the largest exhibition centre in the Irish capital, where dozens of latest models of electric vehicles including BMW i8, BMW i3, New Nissan Leaf, and Zoe of Renault among others were displayed.

Visitors were encouraged to register for a test drive of any model they like at local dealers. All the test drives of these models are free of charge as part of the campaign launched by the Irish government.

Later this year, more such test drives of electric vehicles will be rolled out nationwide, said Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment,who inaugurated the campaign.

He said his department has secured a record level of funding this year to introduce a series of measures in an effort to boost electric car ownership in the country. These measures include purchase grants, zero percent Benefit-in-Kind and home charger installation grants.

According to the minister, there were only 3,800 electric vehicles in Ireland at the end of last year, making up less than one percent of its total vehicle population.

"I would like to see a greater uptake and not just by private car owners but in the public sector as well," he said, adding that the Office of Government Procurement will actively engage and advise the public sector on the use of electric vehicles across all areas including the army, police, post offices, educational institutions and health organizations.

The launch of DrivingElectric campaign is part of a two-day energy show which kicked off here on Wednesday. Annually organized by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the show is aimed at encouraging people to use more efficient and clean energy. Hundreds of exhibitors from home and abroad participated in the show which also include a series of lectures on latest sustainable energy technologies and solutions. An estimated 5,000 people are expected to attend the show, said organizers.