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Israel Revs Up Electric Cars

Endorses national initiative to switch to electric cars

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Jan 21, 2008 3:59 PM CST
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(Newser) – Israel is taking the first steps toward getting drivers behind the electric wheel. The country today unveiled a joint project that calls for Renault-Nissan to build cars and a California startup to build the infrastructure. The electric cars are to hit the mass market by 2010 with half a million charging points in place, but some call the plan unrealistic, Time reports.

To move forward, the government is lowering the tax rate on electric vehicles by 10%. Proponents say the key is implementing battery-swap stations so drivers who need to travel more than 100 miles don't have to wait while their cars recharge. Israel hopes to set an example for the rest of the world, but one scientist says the technology still isn't there.

A man looks at 'The Book of Songs' electric car by Chinese manufacturer Li Shi Ming Automobile Design Company at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, 15 January 2008. (GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images)
A man looks at 'The Book of Songs' electric car by Chinese manufacturer Li Shi Ming Automobile Design Company at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, 15 January 2008....   (Getty Images)
Israelis stand outside their cars as a siren marking the annual Holocaust remembrance day sounds in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, April 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israelis stand outside their cars as a siren marking the annual Holocaust remembrance day sounds in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, April 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)   (Associated Press)
Israel is pushing a nationwide program aimed at getting drivers behind the wheel of an electric car.
Israel is pushing a nationwide program aimed at getting drivers behind the wheel of an electric car.   (Getty Images)
The Israeli government is pushing an agenda toward green vehicles.
The Israeli government is pushing an agenda toward "green" vehicles.   (Getty Images)
Ulrich Hackenberg introduces Volkswagen's electric powered concept car Space Up Blue, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Ulrich Hackenberg introduces Volkswagen's electric powered concept car "Space Up Blue," Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)   (Associated Press)
Israeli President Shimon Peres endorses the switch from gas-powered to electric cars
Israeli President Shimon Peres endorses the switch from gas-powered to electric cars   (Associated Press)
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Israel: 'A daring world lab'
New York Times

Electric cars, deluxe
Chicago Sun-Times

 
Israel • Shimon Peres • fuel • Olmert • electric cars • foreign oil • Better Place • Shai Agassi • charging stations

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