Go-Biz and Japanese Government Agree to Feasibility Study for an Electric Vehicle Pilot Project in California

 Building on the state’s efforts to add more zero emission vehicles to California roads, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the Japanese governmental organization New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) today agreed to conduct a feasibility study for an Electric Vehicle (EV) demonstration project in California. A letter of intent (LOI) was concluded between GO-Biz director, Kish Rajan and NEDO executive director, Hiroshi Kuniyoshi, which facilitates a partnership to develop new fast charging electric vehicle stations in California.

“California is working towards meeting the most ambitious zero emission vehicle goal in the U.S.,” said GO-Biz director Kish Rajan. “Today’s agreement furthers that effort and also expands our international partnership with Japan.”

Through this joint project, GO-Biz and NEDO will seek to ease range anxiety, increase intercity trips and promote EV adoption. Project partners plan to install direct current (DC) fast chargers along California highways and provide innovative services for EV drivers including charger location guidance.

“We have high hopes that the results of this project will be disseminated throughout the world.” said NEDO executive director Hiroshi Kuniyoshi. “I am confident that this demonstration project will be successful because of the strong relationship and collaboration between California and NEDO.”