Better Place LLC is reportedly in advanced talks with Taiwan's Yulon Group to deploy Better Place's battery replacement station technology in Taiwan.
Yulon Motor Co. Ltd. (Taipei: 2201) is Taiwan's largest vehicle company, with manufacturing and importing operations. Two years ago, it launched its own car brand, the Luxgen, and began exports to Western countries in 2010.
Taiwanese newspapers report that an agreement will include the deployment of battery replacement stations, and probably the replaceable battery technology in Yulon's future electric car models. The papers did not say whether Better Place will manage the battery replacement and recharging stations, as it does under its business model in Israel and Denmark.
An agreement would be signed with Yulon energy division, and its value is estimated at "millions of dollars". The Taiwanese papers add that Better Place will likely receive incentives and government support.
Taiwan is one of the most advanced nations in the Far East as far as adopting electric car technology. In 2009, the government set a target of 160,000 electric cars within five years, and it has launched a pilot program involving several thousand electric cars. Taiwan's geography is also suitable for Better Place's business mode, as it an island with a limited area and developed road, financial, and energy production infrastructure.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 6, 2011
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