The electric car project initiated by Shai Agassi raised $200 million last year, the largest investment in "cleantech" businesses in 2007. He recently met with French auto executives to advance the electric car under his Project Better Place venture.

He has said that Israel is an ideal place to market the car because most drivers travel short distances and live in the same area. His proposal includes battery charging stations that would allow motorists "to fill up" with electricity when needed.