PARIS (AP) — French carmaker Renault SA is studying a plan to build a manufacturing plant for electric cars in Israel, a company spokeswoman said Wednesday.

 

Renault is exploring a potential partnership with Israeli entrepreneur and high-tech star Shai Agassi, spokeswoman Rochelle Chimenes said.

 

Few details about the project have yet been released.

 

Agassi and his partner Iden Ofer have founded an eco-minded joint venture called the ''Better Place Project,'' aimed at helping reduce greenhouse emissions by building a network of charging stations for electric cars across Israel.

 

Agassi and Ofer are to begin testing the pilot project in early 2009, according to an article that appeared in Israel's Haaretz newspaper.

 

If Renault decides to get involved, an agreement could be signed in the first half of 2008, Chimenes said.