Electric cars for German consumers

Renault and RWE have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing electric cars as a viable mode of transport for German consumers.

The partnership was officially launched by Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Renault and Nissan, and Dr Jurgen Grossmann, chief executive officer of RWE.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is intended to become the world's leading manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles and Germany has been identified as one of the major markets for all-electric models.

RWE, A European utility company, is in the process of setting up a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in major German cities and will subsequently roll out this infrastructure across Germany.

A joint pilot phase, starting in the second quarter of 2009 and lasting until 30 June 2011, will first take place in Berlin, followed by other German cities. Starting at the end of 2010, 100 electric Renault pre-serial vehicles will use the RWE charging infrastructure.

Grossmann said: ‘We are entering together into new territory with this innovative partnership. Together with Renault, we want to help electric cars make their breakthrough in

, with an attractive offering consisting of an electric car, eco-energy and fast charging stations.’