Nissan Electric Cars Adopt EV Charging Network

By: Andy Hodges
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 10, 2009

Nissan electric cars will provide zero-emission mobility while delivering 100 miles on a single battery charge.

Everyone has probably seen the Nissan EV prototype that will be used to develop new electric cars in 2010. The automaker has recently formed a partnership with Progress Energy, a nonprofit agency in Raleign, N.C., to further study and help develop electric vehicles. The automobiles will have a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

"Our partners in Raleigh share our goals of working together towards making the region plug-in ready for the introduction of electric vehicles next year. This partnership is an important step in making zero-emissions mobility a reality," Nissan North America Senior vice president Dominique Thormann said in a statement.

Nissan has been quiet in recent years in its effort to provide cars with electric alternatives. Critics have claimed that the automaker is back peddling on its new EV prototype. However, this isn't true, since there are signs that progress is being made and that the vehicle will be released in 2010.

The Nissan prototype is using lithium-ion batteries with a zero-emission electric motor. The body and type design does not represent future vehicles made by the automaker. However, the electric technology that will power the automobile will be included in the new post-production model next year.

The partnership also supports the City of Raleigh's mission and environmental goals. Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said they are delighted to be working with Nissan and Progress Energy on the project. "We take a great deal of pride in being a leader in the region in preparing for the plug-in electric car era. The City of Raleigh is a founding member of the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition. By providing the infrastructure and encouragement for the use of alternative- fuel vehicles, we're in complete concert with both the mission statement of the City and our goal of reducing emissions for a cleaner environment," Meeker said.

Nissan and its partners will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, as well as the deployment, operation and maintenance of a charging network. The partners also will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline the deployment of an EV infrastructure. Nissan also has agreed to make available a supply a number of EVs to Progress Energy.

Advanced Energy plans to facilitate working teams. The teams will be made up of governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as private partners. They will work towards achieving the common goals as well as provide testing and validation of related charging infrastructure and charge management technologies.

The Nissan electric car will compete against GM's Chevy Volt. Toyota and Honda also have plans to release new electric vehicles next year. These automobiles will soon achieve 100 miles on a single battery charge.