Nissan Leaf Electric Car owners can look forward to being able to drive, park, and charge, as thousands of EV vehicle charging stations are being installed in six states across the US. Installation of the eTec electric vehicle charging stations began in 2010 and will continue through 2012.
Recovery Act Investments in Clean Energy
In August of 2009, eTec, a subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc., was awarded a $99.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin the project of installing up to 15,000 charging systems in Arizona, California, Tennessee, Oregon, Washington, Texas and District of Columbia.
The funding is part of a larger commitment made by President Obama in 2009, in which he announced $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to create green jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, and develop other green transportation projects.
Efficiency Standards for Cars and Trucks
In May 2009, Believing that a nation that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century, President Obama announced the first ever joint fuel economy/greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks.
The installation and deployment of the Level 2 (220V) home charging systems, is estimated to create over 5,500 new jobs over several years. The eTec charging station project, which began in August 2009, has three years to complete its mission. The charging stations will serve not only Nissan Leaf owners but Volt and other EV and hybrid car owners as well.
NissanUSA says they’re encouraging a public EV charging network that will span the entire country. On the Leaf, the on-board navigation system will help you locate public charging stations. The Leaf comes equipped with CARWINGS.
Research, statistics and analysis will be conducted on the first group of slightly over 5,000 delivered Leaf 100% electric cars. Researchers will analyze the vehicles performance, battery life and retention, driving conditions, and other factors. The early analysis is expected to result in future improved battery life, and increased access to EV (electric vehicle) charging stations across the country.
How Does the Leaf Electric Vehicle Charging Work
The in-car system displays the battery power, status, and geographic location of charging stations. The home charging dock installed with your purchase, will be your primary charging station. The cost to charge your vehicle at home is estimated to be between fifty cents to $1.50 per day. Public charging stations may be free, or use a refillable subscription card to pay for public charging.
The Fast Charging, or Level 3 stations, re-charge vehicles in approximately 15-30 minutes, rather than the estimated 7 hours the in-home Level 2 charging stations might take for a full charge. For The EV Project, the fast chargers will initially be installed in high-density cities in each of the initial launch states. EV Chargers will also be installed in major transportation corridors so drivers can recharge between major cities. All chargers will be compatible with other electric cars besides the Volt and Leaf.
Oregon Gets Greener With Public Charging Stations
Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California were selected as part of the first group of cities to receive public charging stations.
Portland, one of the first cities to see the fast charger installations, is a perfect match for the new vehicle technology. Already boasting one of the greenest transportation systems in the country with its abundant public transit system, Portland mayor Sam Adams said of the award, "While our neighbors to the north in Washington and to the south in California have their own successes to celebrate, I believe Portlanders will come out on top in the race for EV greatness.”
Portland plans to install over 500 public-use charging stations in 2011-12, and then expand charging stations to other cities in Oregon.
While those who drive 100% electric cars have to give greater consideration to where and how far they intend to drive, Volt and other hybrid drivers have more choices. Charging for those drivers is more of an option as they can conserve battery life with their gasoline optional cars, also called “extended-range” electric cars.
It is estimated there are about 117,000 commercial gasoline stations serving about 250 million cars and light trucks, in the United States. The potential to increase electric cars presents an opportunity to have a real effect on green house gas emissions by reducing
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