BBrockman
Active member
Hi everyone:
First, I want to say that I know we owe you more answers on the replacement program. My apologies for the delay on that topic.
Until then, I wanted to share some information, which I hope is good news, on the expansion of our dealer quick charging program. Building on a pilot program of 24 dealers in five markets, we are now going to be adding quick chargers at 100 additional dealerships, focused in over 20 metro markets that are either currently top sellers or are showing increased growth potential.
I don't have the full list of 100 added dealerships to share at this point. However, the new chargers will start going in this summer, with installations continuing into the first quarter of next year.
To answer one question I expect to come up: dealers will set the terms of use for the charging units. So, they'll decide on details like cost, hours of operation, etc.
Brian
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Nissan to Add Electric Vehicle Quick Charging at More Than 100 U.S. Leaf-Certified Dealerships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In an effort to speed the expansion of electric vehicle charging and build consumer awareness of the capability of the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Nissan will support installation of more than 100 DC quick chargers at LEAF-certified dealers in 21 key markets nationwide.
The units, which use the CHAdeMO standard, can charge the vehicle from depleted to about 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Brendan Jones, director of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, Nissan said: “Nissan is undertaking a proactive, multi-pronged approach to expand charging infrastructure to enhance awareness of electric cars like the LEAF and instill range confidence in potential customers. We know that available charging infrastructure opens the doors for more Nissan LEAF sales.”
This quick charging initiative follows a 24-dealer pilot program, which Nissan rolled out at dealerships in the markets of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Seattle. During the pilot, Nissan has been able to study the frequency of use for the chargers and the impact that charging has on the dealer’s operations.
“We are located at the intersection of two of the country’s busiest freeways, so having a quick charger available for the thousands of commuters who drive by us every day is a boon for business,” said Richard Luengo, general manager, Nissan of Downtown Los Angeles, which is averaging about 10 charging sessions per day at its quick charger. “There is a steady stream of folks using the charger, and we’ve generated significant good will in the LEAF community. Over the past four months, our dealership has seen a marked improvement in sales, and some of that is clearly attributable to the new quick charger.”
So far, the active chargers in the program have been popular. Since the pilot began, about 5,600 charging sessions have taken place, with each location averaging about 4.5 sessions per day. That figure has been steadily on the rise as awareness has increased. Over the period of June 21-July 1, the number of charging sessions increased about 12.5 percent compared to the previous two-week period.
Installation of new chargers will begin in east coast markets, starting this summer. By April 1, 2014, Nissan expects to have quick chargers installed and operational at 100 additional dealerships.
Nissan’s charging partner AeroVironment will supply the quick chargers and will provide installation services for nearly all of the new quick charging units.
First, I want to say that I know we owe you more answers on the replacement program. My apologies for the delay on that topic.
Until then, I wanted to share some information, which I hope is good news, on the expansion of our dealer quick charging program. Building on a pilot program of 24 dealers in five markets, we are now going to be adding quick chargers at 100 additional dealerships, focused in over 20 metro markets that are either currently top sellers or are showing increased growth potential.
I don't have the full list of 100 added dealerships to share at this point. However, the new chargers will start going in this summer, with installations continuing into the first quarter of next year.
To answer one question I expect to come up: dealers will set the terms of use for the charging units. So, they'll decide on details like cost, hours of operation, etc.
Brian
--
Nissan to Add Electric Vehicle Quick Charging at More Than 100 U.S. Leaf-Certified Dealerships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In an effort to speed the expansion of electric vehicle charging and build consumer awareness of the capability of the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Nissan will support installation of more than 100 DC quick chargers at LEAF-certified dealers in 21 key markets nationwide.
The units, which use the CHAdeMO standard, can charge the vehicle from depleted to about 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Brendan Jones, director of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, Nissan said: “Nissan is undertaking a proactive, multi-pronged approach to expand charging infrastructure to enhance awareness of electric cars like the LEAF and instill range confidence in potential customers. We know that available charging infrastructure opens the doors for more Nissan LEAF sales.”
This quick charging initiative follows a 24-dealer pilot program, which Nissan rolled out at dealerships in the markets of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Seattle. During the pilot, Nissan has been able to study the frequency of use for the chargers and the impact that charging has on the dealer’s operations.
“We are located at the intersection of two of the country’s busiest freeways, so having a quick charger available for the thousands of commuters who drive by us every day is a boon for business,” said Richard Luengo, general manager, Nissan of Downtown Los Angeles, which is averaging about 10 charging sessions per day at its quick charger. “There is a steady stream of folks using the charger, and we’ve generated significant good will in the LEAF community. Over the past four months, our dealership has seen a marked improvement in sales, and some of that is clearly attributable to the new quick charger.”
So far, the active chargers in the program have been popular. Since the pilot began, about 5,600 charging sessions have taken place, with each location averaging about 4.5 sessions per day. That figure has been steadily on the rise as awareness has increased. Over the period of June 21-July 1, the number of charging sessions increased about 12.5 percent compared to the previous two-week period.
Installation of new chargers will begin in east coast markets, starting this summer. By April 1, 2014, Nissan expects to have quick chargers installed and operational at 100 additional dealerships.
Nissan’s charging partner AeroVironment will supply the quick chargers and will provide installation services for nearly all of the new quick charging units.
