Having already established projects in countries including Denmark and Israel, as well as making breakthroughs in the US state of California, Better Place is now set to embark on projects in Japan and Australia.
Looking at Japan first, the company has received an award from the Japanese government to conduct a pilot project in Tokyo for the world’s first electric taxis with switchable batteries. It will partner with Nihon Kotsu, the capital city’s largest taxi operator.
In Japan, taxis represent two per cent of all passenger vehicles and yet emit a whopping 20 per cent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) from vehicles due to the extensive distances they travel. In Tokyo, there are around 60,000 taxis and it is hoped that the pilot will showcase everyday use of the Better Place model and will see a Better Place battery switch site constructed in the Roppongi Hills area in the centre of the capital.
This isn’t Better Place’s first venture into Japan - it has already performed a battery switch demonstration in Yokohama. The Tokyo scheme however, is expected to begin in January, 2010.
In Australia, the company has formed a partnership with the University of Melbourne. It will see its first demonstration electric vehicle housed on the university campus to evaluate the technology with the hope that the entire university fleet may eventually be converted to electric.
Better Place and the University of Melbourne are also planning to develop an energy education facility at the main university campus that will allow students and guests to gain hands-on access to the latest technologies. Design of the facility is expected to begin in 2011.
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