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Cross Country Trip on Zero Gas
Aug 21, 2012 at 03:46:27 AM
I've been closely watching the start-up curve of Better Place, the first nationwide network of 100% electric vehicles. It began with a concept – removable batteries that switch (i.e. "fill up") just like a gas station. Then it was the funding – nearly a billion in venture capital to date. Next was adapting a traditional automobile – in this case, the Renault Fluence. And finally, putting the entire infrastructure into place.
It took about five years, but now the dream has become reality: Yesterday, company founder Shai Agassi drove the entire length and breadth of Israel in a single day.
In the morning, he left his home near Tel Aviv, driving north to the border with Lebanon, then onto Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel near the Syrian border. At noon he headed south, and by 7:30 p.m. had covered the entire length of Israel, arriving in the resort town of Eilat. Then for good measure, Agassi drove home to Tel Aviv, arriving just after midnight.
Total: 1,150 km (715 miles). "Range anxiety" no more!
Keep your eyes on this. I predict that within 10 years, you too will own a Better Place car.
(2) Helen Schwab (Chaiah), August 27, 2012 11:12 PM
glad you put this info out
I saw the Inside Israel film on Israel's Independence Day and was interested to know more about "A Better Place" battery-swap concept, which was shown in the film. I heard there are stations in San Francisco, USA, but I'm on the East Coast. Wonder when it will get here? I'll check out the website, bli neder, to see if car costs are posted, and battery switch costs, too. Someone told me it won't work in USA b/c we need to travel greater distances than are normal for Israel and Europe, but Shia Agassi covered 715 miles in a day... How often did he have to stop to swap batteries? Anyone know? Should have said in the story. Also, the pollution issue of worn out battery disposal wasn't mentioned. I sincerely wish "Hatzlacha" to Shai & his company.
(1) Michal, August 21, 2012 2:17 PM
That is it!
I am delighted, when I see, how easily the changing of the battery goes. How wonderful would it be, not to need oil anymore. Here it is terribly expensive. It will not be much different in Israel.