News

Nissan North America Selects Aerovironment to Install Home-Charging Stations for Nissan Leaf

January 11, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

Nissan North America (NNA) announced its selection of AeroVironment (AV) to supply electric vehicle home-charging stations and installation services supporting the introduction of the zero-emission, all-electric Nissan LEAF later this year.

The Nissan LEAF five-passenger electric car will be powered by an advanced, lithium-ion battery pack that will provide a drive range of 100 miles on a full charge, as measured by the LA4 test cycle. AV’s Nissan-branded charging stations will be available at the sale of each Nissan LEAF as part of the vehicle’s total driving system. The home-charging stations are designed to provide a safe and reliable charge when installed with a connection to a 220V line. It will take eight hours to fully charge the Nissan LEAF from a fully discharged state.

Home charging will represent a highly convenient charging method for the Nissan LEAF customer. AV’s nationwide network of qualified, licensed electricians will offer pre-installation home assessment services prior to vehicle delivery, and will install the charging stations.

"Nissan is committed to bringing zero-emission mobility to the United States, and around the world," said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas. "A part of that commitment is delivering a one-stop shop experience for the new car owner, which is why we chose AeroVironment. As a result of our selection, drivers of the Nissan LEAF will be able to charge their vehicles safely overnight at their own homes."

"By introducing a practical electric passenger and fleet vehicle, Nissan is moving boldly to link driving with zero emissions and energy independence," said Tim Conver, AV’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our selection as Nissan’s preferred charging equipment and service provider, for what we believe will be the largest adoption of battery electric cars in history, represents a great opportunity to apply our nationwide EV charging infrastructure solutions to the successful introduction of the Nissan LEAF. We are committed to making those who purchase a Nissan LEAF and our universal home charging system successful in the use of clean, electric vehicles."

Nissan, along with its alliance partner Renault, states that it is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. The Nissan LEAF will go on sale in select markets in the United States in December.