Science, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri Işık announced that the configuration and architectural design processes for long-range domestic electric cars are ready to commence. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) Editor's Desk, Işık announced the technical details of electric cars and said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has set a target for Turkey to have its own automobile brand during his presidency. Işık noted that Turkey's chance of competing in internal combustion technology is very low, as the scale has been extended, costs have been lowered in its market and it would be hard to create a local brand. "However, there's a new, emerging technology: Long-range electric cars. This sector will be living its golden year within the next four to five years. Therefore, we wanted to use this chance and have initiated an extensive study. Now it's time to reap the fruits," Işık added.The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) will conduct the research and development studies for the domestic electrical car, while private sector companies in cooperation with TÜBİTAK will mostly assume the engineering and design work. The manufacturing process will be assumed completely by the private sector and TÜBİTAK and other public institutions will offer their support to the private companies. Işık stressed that they have initiated the first step for TÜBİTAK to conduct the studies within this structure and that the ministry is in contact with the engineering and design company as well as potential companies that may assume production of the electric cars. He also said that they are hoping to see some progress soon.On whether public purchasing will be applied to support the new domestic electrical car project, Işık said that public sector might have to queue up if the project is implemented according to the initial design and structure construed. "If an individual does not take any long distance trips and travels for less than 100 kilometers, then, they will have the chance to use their electric cars for just TL 2-3 a day [$0.82-1.23]. It will be possible to spend only TL 50 to TL 100 a month, which is a great advantage and saving when compared to other cars," Işık said. Furthermore, long-distance travel will also be possible with the long-range electric cars. After the total distance that can safely be covered using the battery is traveled, a generator that will be placed at the back of the car will kick in. Işık underscored that the main attraction of the long-range domestic electrical car is the fuel efficiency; therefore, they're expecting a very high demand, not only from the local market but also from European markets. "While companies with high crude oil reserves, where oil prices are low might not need such long-range electrical cars, countries such as Germany, the U.K. and France are certainly in need of such new technologies for lowering fuel costs," Işık said.