The state is teaming up with a Silicon Valley technology company to bring an electric car network Hawai'i.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Shai Agassi, founder and chief executive officer of Better Place, unveiled the plan today at a news conference at the Capitol.

Lingle said the initiative will fuel the state's drive to lead the nation in renewable energy use, create jobs locally, while also helping to achieve energy security.

Lingle said Hawaiian Electric Co. and Better Place Hawaii have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the infrastructure and energy needs to power Better Place's unique network of public charging spots and battery swapping stations with renewable energy.

The plan calls for introducing the first vehicles within 18 months, with mass-market availability of electric cars in 2012.

"Today's announcement is a significant move towards our state gaining independence from foreign oil," Lingle said. "This public-private partnership is exactly the type of investment we have been working on as we continue to carry out our Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, moving toward the goal of 70 percent clean energy for the state of Hawai'i."