Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan 'No Charge' in Denver, A123 doubles
Wed, Jun 3 2015
Wanxiang is investing $200 million in A123 Systems in order to double its lithium-ion battery production. The combined capacity of its three production facilities in Michigan, Hangzhou, China and Changzhou, China will increase from 750 megawatt-hours to 1.5 gigawatt-hours in the next three years. The increased capacity will help support customers building hybrids, passenger EVs, and commercial vehicles. Included in the expansion is the capacity to build 12-volt starter batteries and 48-volt microhybrid systems. "It's been a tremendous turnaround," says A123 CEO Jason Forcier, referring to the company's 2012 bankruptcy. Forcier also says the company is already planning another expansion when this one is complete. Read more at Automotive News, and in the press release from A123.
The Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan is ordering 150 Zoe EVs from Renault. King Abdullah II of Jordan signed an agreement with Renault, who will deliver the cars by the end of the year. The cars will be powered completely by solar energy generated on royal property. The order of the 150 Zoes is the largest since 2013, and makes Renault the largest provider for Jordan's royal EV fleet. Renault says that further EV orders are already being discussed. Read more in the press release from Renault-Nissan.
Beijing, China will exempt electric vehicles from its limits to vehicles on roads during rush hour. Current policy, designed to help alleviate traffic and air pollution, restricts cars with even and odd license plates from rush hour traffic on alternating days. The exemption for EVs runs from June 1, 2015 until April 10, 2016. It is the newest in the list of perks meant to encourage EV adoption, despite the troublesome lack of charging infrastructure. Read more at Green Car Reports.
Nissan's "No Charge to Charge" program arrives in Mile High City
Complimentary public charging now available for new all-electric Nissan LEAF buyers in Denver
DENVER – Nissan is launching its "No Charge to Charge" promotion for Denver area car buyers today. The program offers new Nissan LEAF buyers two years complimentary public charging with the purchase of the all-electric car from LEAF-certified dealers in the Denver market.
"Nissan LEAF is an attractive option for Denver car buyers because it is fun to drive and offers significantly lower operating costs when compared to a gas-powered car," said Andrew Speaker, director, Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales & Marketing, Nissan. "EV charging infrastructure continues to grow in Denver, and access to free public charging for new LEAF buyers helps make owning an all-electric vehicle even more cost-effective and convenient."
"No Charge to Charge" launches at Nissan LEAF dealers in the Denver market on June 2, 2015. The promotion includes access to fast chargers that can charge a LEAF battery pack from empty to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, as well as level 2 (240V) chargers spread throughout the Denver area.
Nissan now offers "No Charge to Charge" in 16 U.S. markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Chicago, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and Washington, D.C. Nissan plans to offer the "No Charge to Charge" program at LEAF dealers in a total of at least 25 U.S. markets later this year.
With more than 175,000 global sales and more than 78,000 in the U.S., Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric car. LEAF features seating for up to five passengers and boasts an EPA-estimated* driving range of 84 miles on a fully-charged battery and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.
The starting price of a Nissan LEAF is about $16,348** in Colorado after maximum available federal and state tax credits, and LEAF offers the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance. Nissan manufactures LEAF and its battery pack at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
For more information on the "No Charge to Charge" promotion, visit NissanUSA.com. Consumers can find chargers eligible for "No Charge to Charge" at https://www.ez-charge.com/stations/ or via the Nissan EZ-ChargeSM app for iOS or Android.
*2015 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate 126 city, 101 highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated the LEAF® equivalent to 126 MPG measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 101 MPG in highway driving. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions — use for comparison only. 2015 EPA range of 84 miles.
**2015 Nissan LEAF as low as $16,348 net value after maximum federal tax credit of $7,500 and Colorado state credit of $5,162 (source: http://driveelectricnoco.org/tax-credits/). MSRP $29,010. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and spec are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, license and destination charges. The incentive referenced is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. All persons considering use of available incentives should consult with their own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives available, if any, and further details.
Complimentary public charging now available for new all-electric Nissan LEAF buyers in Denver
DENVER – Nissan is launching its "No Charge to Charge" promotion for Denver area car buyers today. The program offers new Nissan LEAF buyers two years complimentary public charging with the purchase of the all-electric car from LEAF-certified dealers in the Denver market.
"Nissan LEAF is an attractive option for Denver car buyers because it is fun to drive and offers significantly lower operating costs when compared to a gas-powered car," said Andrew Speaker, director, Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales & Marketing, Nissan. "EV charging infrastructure continues to grow in Denver, and access to free public charging for new LEAF buyers helps make owning an all-electric vehicle even more cost-effective and convenient."
"No Charge to Charge" launches at Nissan LEAF dealers in the Denver market on June 2, 2015. The promotion includes access to fast chargers that can charge a LEAF battery pack from empty to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, as well as level 2 (240V) chargers spread throughout the Denver area.
Nissan now offers "No Charge to Charge" in 16 U.S. markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Chicago, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and Washington, D.C. Nissan plans to offer the "No Charge to Charge" program at LEAF dealers in a total of at least 25 U.S. markets later this year.
With more than 175,000 global sales and more than 78,000 in the U.S., Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric car. LEAF features seating for up to five passengers and boasts an EPA-estimated* driving range of 84 miles on a fully-charged battery and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.
The starting price of a Nissan LEAF is about $16,348** in Colorado after maximum available federal and state tax credits, and LEAF offers the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance. Nissan manufactures LEAF and its battery pack at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
For more information on the "No Charge to Charge" promotion, visit NissanUSA.com. Consumers can find chargers eligible for "No Charge to Charge" at https://www.ez-charge.com/stations/ or via the Nissan EZ-ChargeSM app for iOS or Android.
*2015 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate 126 city, 101 highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated the LEAF® equivalent to 126 MPG measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 101 MPG in highway driving. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions — use for comparison only. 2015 EPA range of 84 miles.
**2015 Nissan LEAF as low as $16,348 net value after maximum federal tax credit of $7,500 and Colorado state credit of $5,162 (source: http://driveelectricnoco.org/tax-credits/). MSRP $29,010. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and spec are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, license and destination charges. The incentive referenced is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. All persons considering use of available incentives should consult with their own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives available, if any, and further details.
By John Beltz Snyder
See also: Autotrader picks best cars for 2015's college grads, Takata adds millions to recall expansion in US [UPDATE], Recharge Wrap-up: video touts Volvo electric buses, Nissan and BMW build EV chargers in S. Africa.