U.S.-based electric car firm Zap is working in Shanghai to develop eco-friendly transportation.

Zap has reportedly begun project planning with the government of Shanghai's Yangpu District to develop a Green City Zone in Yangpu's downtown area. Based on a memorandum of understanding partnership agreement signed in San Francisco on November 19, 2010, the project plans to reduce carbon emissions in Yangpu using electric vehicles for its public transportation while installing an EV charging infrastructure, battery swap-out stations and maintenance support centers.

The partnership agreement with Yangpu government is reportedly a direct result of Governor Schwarzenegger's trade delegation to Shanghai in September this year, and it is one of the first formal initiatives between the two regions.

According to the framework of the partnership, Zap will provide an electric car charging infrastructure, battery swap out stations, as well as EV maintenance and repair depots in Yangpu. Zap will work with Yangpu's government agencies, local universities, and private corporations on plans to further expand zero-emission transportation in the city.

To execute these plans and better access the Chinese market, Zap Jonway will open its EV sales and operations office in the Yangpu District and plans to establish its research and development engineering center in the district to take advantage of the university communities.