Tokyo taxis to trial battery switch system
Thursday, 27 August 2009
TOKYO, Aug 26 (AFP): Tokyo taxis will be the first in the world to test new electric-car batteries that can be replaced in less time than it takes to fill up the petrol tank, the firm behind the system said today.
Up to four electric taxis will take part in the trial of the new technology, which enables a depleted battery to be replaced with a fully charged one in about a minute, California-based Better Place announced.
The vehicles, operated by Tokyo's largest taxi operator Nihon Kotsu, will run from the Roppongi Hills shopping and office complex in the Japanese capital from January next year, under a trial commissioned by the government.
Up to four electric taxis will take part in the trial of the new technology, which enables a depleted battery to be replaced with a fully charged one in about a minute, California-based Better Place announced.
The vehicles, operated by Tokyo's largest taxi operator Nihon Kotsu, will run from the Roppongi Hills shopping and office complex in the Japanese capital from January next year, under a trial commissioned by the government.