Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is considering building Better Place's car recharging infrastructure at its bases to support a coming fleet of electric troop carriers, as well as civilian electric cars when they become available, Israel's Globes reports.

It's no big surprise. Israel was the first country in the world to commit to installing the California start-up's nationwide car charging network (not to mention the CEO of Palo Alto-based Better Place is Major General Moshe Kaplinsky, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF). But the news is still worth noting for a number of reasons.

First, the report underscores the global trend of major militaries embracing electric vehicles to break foreign fuel dependence. Second, the IDF is considered one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the world. If its electric vehicles and charging infrastructure prove viable options with clear benefits, then the IDF could propel other governments and militaries to adopt them. That could help Palto Alto-based Better Place, which seeks to blanket the world with its electric recharge grids and define the global standard.

Third: The news is more proof that oil-poor Israel is aiming to be an electric car epicenter.

After seven years of dead-end negotiations, Israel will soon turn 1,000 acres in the Negev Desert into giant solar thermal stations.

The $700 million enterprise will comprise two plants to supply 250 megawatts of power in total, equal to 2.5 percent of the nation’s electricity needs.

And it’s slated for solar stardom.