14 DAY TRIAL // In an attempt to significantly increase the numbers of electric cars currently on the road in the San Francisco area, local authorities announced on Thursday that new car-recharging stations will dot Bay View. The project is currently valued at about one billion dollars, which is a fairly low sum to pay for such an endeavor. Officials behind the deal said that power outlets would be installed in homes, parking lots and near official buildings, by as early as 2012.
Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco, struck a deal with Ron Dellums, the mayor of Oakland and Chuck Reed, the mayor of San Jose, for this initiative. The Better Place company, based in Palo-Alto, will also contribute, by building super-advanced robots that will be capable of changing batteries in all cars compatible with the system.
This will virtually allow for the swapping of batteries, meaning that drivers will not have to pay for a new power source, but, rather, will leave their battery behind, for reloading, and take off with another one. The system will allow for shorter stops and longer autonomy per charge.
"This type of public-private partnership is exactly what I envisioned when we created the first-ever low carbon fuel standard and when the state enacted the zero emissions vehicle program. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can achieve our goals of creating a healthier planet while boosting our economy at the same time," said California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a press release.
"We put in the infrastructure, and the big car-makers make the electric cars for us. This is an opportunity for California to apply its strength in technology and innovation to Michigan's manufacturing might. We now need a strong national policy set by the new administration to help the U.S. revive its auto industry and it's economy," argued, Better Place's head of Policy and Communications, Joe Paluska.
In addition to the Californian contract, the company also struck similar deals with other countries as well, including Israel, Denmark and Australia, where subscriptions paid to Better Place will relieve drivers of having to pay in excess of $10,000 for a rechargeable battery.