Former SAP star Agassi to set up $1 billion electric car network in Australia

Stan Beer
Thursday, 23 October 2008 08:59

Science - Energy

In support of the project, AGL will provide electricityfrom renewable sources to power the electric cars and enable BetterPlace to deliver sustainable transportation.

AGL Group General Manager Jeff Dimery said AGLwill provide all of the renewable energy needed to power the EVs, whilethis initiative will accelerate the shift toward renewables that’salready underway.

“AGL is committed to increasing its renewable energy generation andbelieves it is important to collaborate and implement cross-industryinitiatives to counter climate change. Because EVs charge primarily atnight, they can maximize the potential of intermittent renewable energysuch as wind.”

According to a spokesperson for Better Place, Victoria was chosen tolaunch the initiative because it a key automotive manufacturing centreof Australia.

"Victoria will probably be headquarters for Better Place in Australia," the spokesperson said.

"However, it is a national project. The program will start its rollouton the east coast of Australia,  working its way up from Melbourne toBrisbane."

Victorian State Premier John Brumby said, “The Victorian Governmentsupports any initiative that will have positive outcomes in reducingemissions in the transport sector and welcomes this innovative approachto help make broad adoption of EVs in Australia possible.”

The spokesperson said that Australia was chosen because of its unique geographical situation.

"Australia is the largest island in the world, so if it can be made towork here, it can work anywhere. It is the prototype for rolling outBetter Place in larger countries."