U.S. Nissan Dealers Installing Charging Infrastructure

The Nissan LEAF is preparing to reach U.S. consumers, as the vehicle will hit the American market next month.Nissan announced today that it has completed a special EV program that included select dealers across the country. The program has offered an EV training for the dealers, which are now ready to add an EV charging infrastructure to their sites.

By the end of the current week, over 40 Level 2 (240V) chargers will be installed at dealers, with the charging units being scheduled to be offered by a total of 150 dealers by January 2011. The list of markets for the charging units includes California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee. The charging stations are supplied by AeroVironment, Nissan’s home charging partner.

"We're proud to have strong partners in our dealer group who, like Nissan, are investing in affordable, sustainable mobility," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "Congratulations to them for recognizing the opportunity to invest in a zero-emission future, and for providing Nissan LEAF drivers with a convenient, alternative charging point."

Each dealer will offer four charging docs: two for operations support and two in customer areas. Nissan has chosen to introduce this program as its research shows that over 90 percent of those who placed a reservation for the LEAF and live in the primary launch markets for the vehicle, reside within 10 miles of a Nissan dealer.

"We are pleased to make Nissan dealers among the first in the nation to become EV-ready as we move forward building comprehensive coverage for the successful introduction of the Nissan LEAF," said Kristen Helsel, vice president of EV Solutions for AeroVironment.