Los Angeles launches drive to spark interest in electric cars

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LOS ANGELES // Antonio Villaigosa, the mayor of Los Angeles, has announced plans to encourage more residents to use electric cars in a city notorious for its car-related smog. Incentives include the building of 100 new electric car charging stations as well as upgrades to 400 existing stations. Residents who install car battery charging stations in their homes will receive a US$2,000 (Dh7.346) credit, building permits will be issued quickly for the construction of charging stations and drivers of electric cars will receive preferred parking. Villaigosa's announcement coincides with the Californian debut of the long-awaited Chevrolet Volt, General Motors' electric vehicle, and a competitor to the popular Toyota Prius hybrid. The Volt can travel for 64km on one electric charge before the petrol engine is required. Los Angeles already runs 99 per cent of its buses on alternative fuels.