Portugal goes electric

The deal could make Portugal one of the leading global markets for the introduction of all-electric vehicles.

Launch set for 2011

Under an agreement signed on 9th July, the Portuguese Government will study the country’s existing filling station infrastructure and plan the facilities required for nationwide availability of electric car charging and battery swapping. It will also devise a promotional programme to raise public awareness of electric vehicles and the tax incentives attached. Portugal plans to introduce Renault-Nissan’s new all-electric cars, which are still under development, in 2011.

The Portugal launch will follow the arrival of the first models in the US and Japan in 2010 with plans to launch the vehicles worldwide in 2012. Portuguese private sector companies will also participate in the project.

"Ultimate solution"

"With the rising cost of oil and continuing concerns about CO2 emissions, we believe the ultimate solution to sustainable mobility will be the mass availability of zero-emission vehicles," said Mr. Carlos Ghosn, the president and CEO of Renault-Nissan. "Portugal is a recognised global leader in the development of renewable energy, and we applaud the Government's actions to make electric cars an economic reality for their citizens."

First partner

Portugal follows Israel and Denmark in announcing plans to create a market for electric vehicles. But Renault-Nissan has named Portugal as the first "direct programme" partner in its drive to encourage widespread commercialisation of zero-emission cars.