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Posted: Monday, October 6th, 2008 5:00 AM HST

Electric car fueling stations planned

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ A California company is planning to build a network of charging stations on four Hawaii islands to fuel electric-powered cars. Electric vehicles are expected to be available in Hawaii's auto showrooms in 2011. Palo Alto, Calif.-based Better Place intends to power these electric cars by tapping into the state's growing renewable energy industry. Pete Cooper, in charge of global development for Better Place, says Hawaii is an ideal market because of the relatively short distances traveled by most motorists. A fully charged vehicle would have a range of more than 100 miles. Cooper says the company is dedicated to buying renewable energy produced by sources such as wind, solar, ocean, geothermal and biofuels. Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Darren Pai says the utility supports renewable energy in transportation as a way to reduce Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels. (Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved)