Having already formed strategic partnerships around the world, Renault and Better Place will now be expanding their global relationship in Australia.
Under the terms of a new agreement, Renault will import the first electric car fitted with a switchable battery – the Renault Fluence ZE – into the country with Better Place providing its electric car charging network and services.
A joint marketing campaign will begin ahead of launch in 2012 with the cars arriving by the middle of the year for customers in Canberra, and general sales to begin later in the year. Customers that buy a Renault Fluence ZE will sign up for a Better Place membership package tailored for their needs.
The idea behind switchable battery technology is that it offsets the range limitation of traditional electric vehicles as the depleted battery can be exchanged for a fully charged one.
With Better Place membership, drivers will have unlimited access to batteries, as well as the public charge spots and battery switch stations. It also includes supply of 100 per cent renewable electricity, personalised energy management and navigation services.
Better Place will begin the deployment of its infrastructure in Canberra, the capital city, with a national rollout to follow. It is hoped that by 2013, Australia will have the largest electric car charge network in the world and will outpace current deployments in countries such as the US and China.
