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Silicon Valley Technologist Proposes Network of Battery-Charging Stations

Silicon Valley technologist Shai Agassi recently brought up a magnificent proposal of increasing the usage of all-electric, battery-operated vehicles to smarten up the international automotive industry. 

The objective of Agassi is not similar to that of Chevrolet Volt and Tesla, which concentrate on generating green automobiles.  It is not focused on the production of innovative vehicles.  Instead, the plan of Agassi is all about setting up a network of stations that provide battery-charging services in Europe, United States, and some developing countries. 

The network being planned by Agassi will serve as a provider of electric fuel.  The purchase is to be made on a subscription basis.  This system also suggests that all the vehicle expenses be subsidized by credits and leases.  “We’re basically saying this is just like the cellular phone model,” he said. “If you think of Tesla as the iPhone, we’re AT&T,” said Agassi.

Agassi has in fact come up with sufficient financial support for this project.  A lot of private groups have extended support for Agassi’s plan.  Currently, there is a 200 million dollar worth of fund to back up the construction of the battery-charging stations.  The private groups that helped raise the fund include a famous Israeli transportation and technology holding company, the Israel Corporation, and Vantage Point Venture Partners. There are also individual contributors such as the liquor tycoon Edgar Bronfman Sr., and former World Bank head James D. Wolfensohn.

Since consents from both governments and auto makers are still being worked out, the plan of Agassi is still not being carried out.  Prototypes of these all-electric, battery-operated vehicles will begin in the early part of 2008, and the official marketing and service will follow only after two years.

“It’s much easier to transport electrons than octane molecules. We’ve already got a grid that goes around the entire world; all we have to do is extend it,” said Agassi.  This enthusiastic Silicon Valley technologist foresees a lot of battery-charging stations all over the globe that will make possible certain adjustments in vehicle expenses and usage.