A2A to Build Renault Recharging Infrastructure in Milan, Brescia

Renault has just announced that it has joined forces with Italy's A2A to support it in its electric plans and help launch electric cars in the country. The agreement will initially concern the cities of Milan and Brescia, with the energy company and Renault-Nissan collaborating to establish a recharging infrastructure.

According to a release by Renault, A2A is already discussing with technology partners to build recharging stations in public places, homes and car parks.

“The partnership with A2A is a major step forward in two ways. First for the launch of Renault electric vehicles in the immediate future, and second for the concrete implementation of zero-emissions mobility in Italy,” says Jacques Bousquet, Managing Director of Renault Italy.

“Milan, and Lombardy in general, are the ideal place to trial electric vehicles, given that local government offices and consumers are very much aware of issues relating to the environment and sustainable development. We are delighted to be working with A2A on the development of technological and market solutions that will establish electric cars as a revolutionary mobility solution delivering benefits both for the environment and for motorists.”

Renault says the first trial will commence in 2010 when the company will debut a fleet of electric vehicles in the country and test how the charging infrastructure complies with local buyers' demands. Renault-Nissan is currently working on an electric car which is projected to be rolled out as soon as 2010.

“Sustainable development is part of the brief of A2A,” explains Giuliano Zuccoli, Chairman of the Management Board at A2A. “Electric cars will be one of the breakthrough solutions for the post-crisis period. As an energy company, we must pave the way for this technological leap by equipping cities with the infrastructure necessary for this new mobility.”