Electrische auto's impuls voor Portugal

Automakers Nissan and Renault will sell electric vehicles in Portugal in 2011 and the allied companies have partnered with the government in an attempt to create a national network of charging stations.

_{Portugal’s Prime Minister Jose Socrates, 2nd right, and Nissan’s Vice President Carlos Tavares, right, look at a model of Nissan’s concept electric vehicle Pivo 2, in Lisbon. Foto: Armando Franca / AP}

Nissan has said it will sell electric cars globally in 2012, but the technology is still being developed. In July, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the French and Japanese automakers, and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates announced they would work together to raise awareness about the vehicles and try to make them easier to fuel.

Nissan has aggressively pursued deals with cities and governments on electric vehicles, as soaring gas prices and worries about global warming make the green technology more appealing.

Portugal is a global leader in promoting renewable energy, including wind and solar power. “This agreement with Renault-Nissan will place Portugal also on the front line in terms of sustainable mobility with zero-emission vehicles,” Prime Minister Socrates said. “Promoting electric cars in Portugal will reduce our dependence on imported oil and will contribute to a cleaner environment.”