Electric vehicle services provider Better Place and Renault have today (20 June) announced a partnership in Australia to bring a zero-emission car with a switchable battery to the region next year.
Through the agreement, Renault will import the Fluence into Australia and Better Place will provide the recharging network and services.
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The two companies will start a joint marketing campaign in the lead up to launch, with the vehicles arriving in Australia by the middle of 2012 for the first customers in Canberra, with general sales due to commence later in the year.
The switchable battery technology offsets the range limitation of traditional EVs, as a depleted battery can be exchanged for a fully charged one at automated battery swap stations.
The Fluence will have a range of 185km (115mi) on a full charge under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC); however, the effective range of the vehicle is unlimited.
Better Place is building and operating the first fully integrated electric car charging network in Australia and will begin the deployment of its infrastructure in the capital, Canberra, starting late 2011, with a progressive national roll-out to follow.
“Together with Nissan, Renault will be investing EUR4bn [US$5.7bn] in electric cars,” said Renault VP for electric vehicle programme Thierry Koskas. “Fluence is the first electric car that enables virtually unlimited mileage, thanks to the battery swap technology.
“It will be sold everywhere in Europe and together with Better Place, in Israel and Denmark. We think Fluence together with switch stations, will be a very attractive offer for Australian customers, who traditionally commute long distances. This partnership will contribute a lot to Renault brand awareness in Australia.”
