Electric car batteries can be recharged, but heavy-use applications like cabs require quicker turnaround. California firm Better Place offers battery-switching technology which will be tested in Tokyo cabs early next year.
Background
Taxis only 2% of passenger cars on Japan’s roads
Produce 20% of CO2 vehicle emissions because of distances taxis travel
Nissan and Renault teaming w/ Better Place in some areas
Better Place also trying to form ties w/ other automakers