State of Hawaii Announces Historic Deal with Project Better Place
In one of the first deals of its kind, Hawaii's governor Linda Lingle and Project Better Place's Shai Agassi have announced a plan to build an extensive electric car network in the Aloha state. According to the press release, Project Better Place will be teaming up with the state and private energy companies to create an infrastructure for Better Place's electric cars, using Hawaii's abundant renewable energy resources to power them. A move that will cut greenhouse emissions, reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels -- and hopefully stimulate the states green economy.
While a similar agreement was made in the San Francisco Bay Area late this year, the deal with Hawaii is expected to more wholistic in nature. Since PBP will be working closely with the Hawaii Electric Company, they will be able to take advantage of unused energy during off-peak hours to charge their trademark swappable batteries. A factor that governor Lingle believes will stimulate the market for renewables, especially wind power.
It should also help Hawaii chip away at its lofty clean energy goals. According to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, the state is committed to deriving 70% of its energy from "clean" sources by 2030.
If you live in Hawaii, you know all too well that your state frequently holds the record for highest gas prices in the nation. With most consumer EVs still over a year away at best, this should be a pretty good way to jumpstart the state's adoption of the electric car.
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