I found an interesting fan page on Facebook today.
Plug-in 2010: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plug-In-2010/196501228868?ref=ts
http://www.plugin2010.com/
The annual international Plug-In Conference & Exposition brings together automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, electric utilities, government agencies, academia and the environmental community to collaborate on next steps in plug-in and electric vehicle technology, infrastructure, policies and regulations, and market development.
Nissan held their site dedication yesterday for their new LEAF manufacturing plant in Smyrna, TN. The plant will produce the lithium-ion batteries that power the all new Nissan LEAF zero-emission car. The LEAF will also be assembled in Nissan’s assembly plant also located in Smyrna.
As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax credit)
Lease world’s first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month
ncluding the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF – such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.
Frequently asked questions about charging the new 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.
Q. What is the average cost of the charging dock including installation?
A. The average installation price for the charging dock for your Nissan LEAF is $2,200.
Q. Is there a tax credit for the installation of the charging dock?
A. There is a Federal tax credit available which will cover up to 50% of the cost of installing an electric vehicle charging dock up to a maximum of $2,000.
Q. How much does it cost to fully charge the Nissan LEAF?
A. Using current national electricity averages it will cost less thn $3.00 to charge or “fill-up” the Nissan LEAF.
harging
Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy a proprietary power outlet or power station?
A: For home charging we recommend using a Home Charging Dock wired directly to a 220/240 volt 40 amp circuit to safely supply power to the vehicle.
Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
A: Absolutely. You’ll be able to charge at home and eventually at work and at stations along your route. Options will grow as infrastructure is developed.
Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
A: The battery will have a lifespan of 5-10 years under normal use. We are still working to define all variables which will impact battery performance.
Q:What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and fast charge stations?
A: It takes about ~30 minutes to 80% at a 480 quick-charge station. Starting from a depleted battery, 8 hours at 220/240V (depending on amperage), about 20 hours at 110/120V.
Q: Is LEAF going to have an onboard charging system of some kind for emergency back up?
A: Your Nissan LEAF will be delivered with a 110/120V Trickle charge cable that works with the onboard charging system. As the name implies this will be primarily used for opportunity charging and is not recommended to be your primary method of charging. For that we have the Nissan home charging dock which uses a 220/240V dedicated line in your home.
Q: Can you install a charging station by yourself or does it have to be installed by a qualified electrician?
A: Your Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) unit will need to be installed by a professional electrician. But first, we will assist you with a home inspection which will help identify any necessary electrical updates.
Q: Where will the “appropriate charging stations” be located?
A: We’re helping establish a wide charging network at malls, service stations, etc. in the future. Your nav system will periodically populate these locations as they come online. Your home charging dock will be your primary charging station.
Q: Will the charger be built into the vehicle?
A: Yes. To charge, you will simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the charger.
Q: Is there a timeline for the development of sufficient “charging station” infrastructure to make this competitive with ICEs?
A: We are working with all levels of government and private corporations to grow infrastructure. You can help by supporting this growth.
Q: Will the navigation system list charge station areas?
A:The car will come equipped with Nissan Connection Powered by CARWINGS. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations and more.
Q: Can you charge the battery even if it is not empty?
A: Yes
Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
A: Yes, the home charging dock will be weatherproof.
Q: How long will the battery remain charged if you leave it parked where you cannot charge it?
A: This depends on a variety of factors like ambient temperature, age of the battery and how much energy is in the battery when you park it. However, the drain is very small relative to the battery’s capacity.
Q: How long will it be before you can charge a car anywhere? Like at a gas station?
A: We’re working hard to help develop a comprehensive charging network. Most people will charge the LEAF at home overnight like their cell phone.
Q: Are you working with power companies to develop fast charging stations using higher voltage?
A: We are working with governments and companies to foster a large network of fast-charging facilities. You can join the effort. Check out he advocacy tools on the website as a starter.
Q: If you run out of fuel will an “AAA” tow truck have a recharger or would you need to be towed to a recharge station?
A: We’re exploring roadside assistance possibilities. The car will be equipped with a telematics system called Nissan Connection Powered by CARWINGS which will help you find charging stations before this happens.
Q: Has anyone considered solar panels on the vehicle for recharging the battery?
A: The LEAF will have an available small solar panel on the rear spoiler to help charge the 12V accessory battery.
Q: Will it plug into a regular household outlet?
A:It will charge on a regular 110/120V 20 amp dedicated outlet. This is considered a “trickle charge,” which means it would charge at a slower rate. For home charging, we recommend a home charging dock on a dedicated 220/240V, 40A circuit.
Q: Does the LEAF use regenerative braking to help recharge the battery?
A: Yes – Every time you coast or apply the brakes, the electric motor acts as a electric generator. Nissan LEAF recovers some of the energy created by the braking and stores it in the battery.
Q: How many charging stations are being planned for Nissan’s US facilities so their employees can utilize these cars?
A: This is still in the planning phase, but we will certainly support our EV owners.
Q: I live in an apartment how would I go about charging the car?
A: Start talking to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
Q: Are there designs for future LEAFs that will go farther than 100 miles on a single charge?
A: Our vision is to constantly improve our vehicles to meet our customers’ needs.
Q: If I drive 50 miles a day, will it damage the battery if I “top it off” every night? Will it only take 8 hours from a 110v outlet to charge?
A:Generally, if you utilized half of the battery capacity and used your trickle charge cable, it would take about 10 hours. With a Nissan charging dock wired to a 220/240V (40A) cicuit it would only take 4 hours.
Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
A: A professional evaluation of your home electrical system is part of the overall purchase process. You can start by signing up for Nissan LEAF information. Those who sign up will be the first eligible to reserve a vehicle.
Q: How long does the “quick charge” take, and would it be available for home use?
A: Quick-charging will charge the battery to 80% from zero in about 30 minutes. For now, we are focusing on standard 220/240V home charging in collaboration with Aerovironment. Quick charging will likely be available only at public stations or businesses.
Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Yes – Nissan is working with all levels of government and private corporations to develop public and work-based charging locations.
Q: How much would it cost to charge the car at the charging station?
A: The national average electricity cost is $0.1147/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from Empty to Full.
Due to Hawai‘i’s strong commitment to clean energy and a recognized leader in the introduction of electric vehicles (EV), Nissan North America, Inc. has selected Hawai‘i to be one of its initial launch markets in the U.S. beginning in early 2011.
Nissan and the State of Hawai‘i are working towards a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle network. As part of the collaboration, Nissan has committed to make the highly anticipated all-electric Nissan LEAF available to Hawai‘i consumers.
“We appreciate Nissan’s recognition of Hawai‘i as a global model for electric vehicles and a leader in clean energy,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “The introduction of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle will build on Hawai‘i’s progress to end our state’s over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase our energy security.”
“Nissan is looking forward to bringing the all-electric Nissan LEAF to the people of Hawai‘i,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America. “Through its work in fostering zero-emissions mobility throughout the state, Hawai‘i is demonstrating that it is EV-ready. These efforts, along with strong consumer interest, led us to name Hawai‘i as an early launch market for the Nissan LEAF.”
“In response to strong consumer demand and our commitment to electric vehicle networks, we are pleased that Hawai‘i was selected as one of the first launch states,” said Theodore Liu, Director, State Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “As part of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative’s goal of moving towards 70 percent clean energy by 2030, we believe that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles will give consumers more choices and reduce our state’s overdependence on fossil fuels.”
Nissan earlier announced that the LEAF would have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,780. A federal tax credit of $7,500 for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible is available. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.
At $3.50 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon has a fuel cost of 14 cents per mile. At $0.23 per kilowatt-hour, the Nissan LEAF has a fuel cost of 5 cents per mile.
“I’m looking forward to these vehicles being available,” said Ted Peck, Energy Program Administrator, Hawai‘i State Energy Office. “We’ve been transforming our buildings to be cleaner, more efficient, and renewable. Now we can transform our cars. This is good for consumers and good for our environment.”
Interest in the LEAF is so high that Nissan began accepting reservations this month. In the U.S., more than 8,200 people have reserved a Nissan LEAF. Reservations opened to a select group of people who pre-registered on NissanUSA.com before April 20, when early reservations opened. Reservations, which are made through a $99 fully refundable reservation fee, will be open to the general public on May 15.
The Nissan LEAF is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine. There are no tailpipe emissions, and the cost of the electricity to charge them is cheaper than a tank of gasoline. For more on the Nissan LEAF visit www.NissanUSA.com.