France's big EV initiatives

Automakers have been bidding for contracts for 25,000 electric vehicles and Renault have been successful for 15,600 of them. 10,000 EVs will go to La Poste, France's postal service and the remainder to other public administrations.

Today also sees the start of the Paris Autolib. If the trials are a success, there will be 3,000 EVs for hire across Paris at 1,000 hire stations by December 2012, available on a Pay and Use basis. The Bollore Pininfarina BlueCar uses lithium metal-polymer batteries offering a range of 155 miles and a 4 hour recharge time. The BlueCar is an exceptionally spacious hatchback with room for 4 adults plus luggage.

With these kind of initiatives France could soon be leading the way in Europe for EVs.