Electric car ready by 2011

The first models made by Nissan should arrive in Portugal at the beginning of 2011. The prototype will be a family car with autonomy for 160 kilometres. Reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, combatting the Portuguese economy’s high external debt and improving the environment, are all important objectives which have lead the Government to launch a national network for charging electric vehicles – the Mobi-E. The kick-start for the development of this network was the alliance between Renault and Nissan. But the new infrastructure will actually cater for all makes of electric vehicles to be sold on the Portuguese market. For now, it’s estimated that the Nissan vehicle will have a maximum speed in the order of 145 kilometres an hour, and autonomy for 160 kilometres. Mitsubishi also wants to bring their i-MiEV electric car to Portugal, during 2010. Initially, these electric cars will not be cheap – but the Government hopes to create tax incentives and other benefits to attract customers.