Israel's Clal to import China's BYD electric cars

Sept 25 (Reuters) - Israel's Clal Industries and Investments said on Thursday it signed a deal to import electric cars from China's BYD Auto and sell them in Israel.

Clal, a unit of conglomerate IDB Development, said the agreement -- which still needs various approvals -- was part of Clal's widening of activities in the green energy sector.

"We see these activities as an additional potential growth engine for the company," Clal said in a statement.

BYD's electric cars are expected in Israel and Europe by 2010.

BYD has said the cars could travel 300 km on a single charge. A full charge needs nine hours using its lithium-ion batteries, although they could be charged to 80 percent capacity in 15 minutes, according to BYD.

Israel's government has been pushing for electric cars and is offering heavy tax breaks.

Shai Agassi's Project Better Place is also planning to sell electric cars in Israel in the next few years through its partner, the Renault-Nissan alliance.