INTERVIEW-Israel Corp eyes partners for electric car venture

By Michele Gershberg

NEW YORK, Oct 29 (Reuters) - The executives behind a new venture to build electric car recharging grids in cities worldwide are in talks with automakers and related companies to cooperate on the project and help reduce reliance on fossil fuel.

Shai Agassi, a former software products chief at SAP, and Idan Ofer, chairman of the Israel Corp (ILCO.TA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) holding company, are leading the venture, called Project Better Place.

The project will create a grid of electric charging spots for cars at parking areas and battery exchange stations to prevent drivers from running out of electricity.

"We are already investing in alternative energies from the simple realization that we are depleting the planet's resources," Ofer told Reuters in an interview.

"There's obviously good business reasons for it, but there is also a deeper understanding of what's happening," said Ofer, who serves as the venture's chairman. "I see a lot of potential partners for us."

The venture is in talks with companies like France's Renault SA (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), as well as others in China, Japan and elsewhere in Europe, Ofer said. Ofer did not provide details on other companies involved. A spokeswoman at Renault had no comment.

Israel Corp's holdings span chemicals, energy, shipping and semiconductor companies.