The cooperative agreement covers several technological programs, including:

• The definition of business models capable of driving the commercial development of electric vehicles.

• New energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries.

• Vehicle recharging systems and protocols to enable vehicles and the network to communicate during recharging, as well as the standardization of these systems and protocols.

Last week, Renault and EDF signed a memorandum of understanding to create, starting with France, a large-scale zero-emissions personal transport and travel system. The objective is to establish electric cars as a viable and attractive transport solution for consumers and to develop a supporting recharging infrastructure. (Earlier post.)

EDF is Europe’s biggest electricity producer. In France, the Group uses mainly nuclear and hydroelectric generation resources, for an electricity supply that is 95% CO2-free. EDF is also working with Toyota on the testing of plug-in hybrids in France and the UK. (Earlier post.)

In June, PSA announced that it was starting a feasibility study on a cooperative project with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in the area of electric powertrains. (Earlier post.)