Jerusalem Signs Deal for Fully Electric Car System
Posted by Ron Ross at 6:04 am
Plans to develop a fully-electric car system in Israel took another step forward last Thursday [October 22], as Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat signed an agreement with Better Place to start deploying charging infrastructure for the cars at various locations in Israel’s capital city, according to a Better Place press release. The plan calls for the charging equipment to be installed in a variety of key spots, including by city hall, near museums, near one of Jerusalem’s central parks and more, amounting to 100 charge spots in the first stage. A number of charge spots have already been installed in anticipation of next year’s pilot test of the program. The Better Place model, which is working with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, proposes a 100% electric car that can be recharged at a variety of locations. In addition, battery replacement stations that install a fully-charged battery allow for rapid recharging. And as electric vehicles, the cars emit zero tailpipe emissions. “Governments around the world are taking action towards building a national framework for sustainable transportation,” said Shai Agassi, founder and CEO of Better Place, according to the press release. “Today, Jerusalem cements Israel’s position as a leader in the road to sustainable mobility.” The release said the pilot test will enable a “comprehensive test of the charging infrastructure, including charging spots, battery switch stations, and the energy management system.” The release quoted Barkat as saying, “The Jerusalem of the present is not only a city with a grand past, but a city that looks toward the future, a city that encourages innovation and excellence, and will constantly seek to improve the life of its residents. Electric transportation presents the promise of reducing air pollution and preserving the capital for future generations, while contributing to the reduction of the country’s dependence on oil.” Based in California and privately held, Better Place has operating companies in Israel, Denmark, and Australia. (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, October 28, 2009)
