Portugal is planning to open the world's first nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network early next year. By 2020, 10 percent of all vehicles are going to be replaced by electric cars in Portugal.

"In the first half of 2011 in Portugal we will have a national network to charge these vehicles, it will be possible to go through the whole country without problems of charging electric vehicles," Portuguese Energy Secretary Carlos Zorrinho said on the sidelines of the European Future Energy Forum in London.

The MOBI.E charging network consists of 1,300 normal and 50 fast charging stations at shopping centers, car parks, petrol stations and hotels in 25 towns and cities around Portugal, which will be compatible with all electric vehicle brands, such as electric motorbikes, heavy goods vehicles, etc.