Come join the fun and check out the Nissan LEAF this Saturday. Here are the details. The event is hosted by the San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition. See you there!

San Diego Town And Country Convention Center (across from Fashion Valley Shopping Mall)
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 291-7131
Saturday November 21, 2009
10 am to 3 pm

Enjoy A Fun-Packed Family Day

• Learn benefits of fuel reduction for future vehicles
• See leading edge alternative fuel vehicles on display
• Learn how to take advantage of rebate programs
• Join in fun kids’ & educational programs

Vehicles on display include:

• Nissan LEAF
• GM Chevy Volt
• Tesla Roadster
• Mitsubishi i MiEV
• Honda Civic GX
• Plug-in Hybrids
• Plus Chargers
• IMPCO
• And more…

See the full event flyer. (PDF 616 KB)

See the full Nissan LEAF tour schedule.

And give us your opinions in this poll:

Nissan LEAF at San Diego Alternative Fuels Education Day 2009 is a post from: CleanCarTalk

My friend John Addison is reporting from the Plug-in 2009 Conference in Long Beach California this week. John just wrote an article on electric vehicle charging issues faced by both the public and the car manufacturers. You’d think the main challenges with electric cars consist of technical issues, like battery charging, safety, reliability problems, range, speed, or financial issues like purchase price and battery pack replacement cost. Stuff like that, right? Not really. Actually one of the major hurdles have been bureaucracy, according to some industry experts.

Here’s what John wrote:

Given the potential for energy security, a climate solution, and lowering monthly fuel costs, who would want to stop this? Who could? A terrorist needing oil money? An oil executive? A conspiring auto maker? None of the above. The biggest concern is that the number one “speed bump” will be bureaucracy. Enid Joffe with Clean Fuel Connection was in the middle of the first wave of installing 7,500 chargers and in the current challenges of installing chargers from BMW’s MiniE.

Her customers have been caught in the catch-22 of the utility not approving charger installation without a city permit and the city refusing a permit without utility approval. A process that should take a few days and cost a few hundred dollars can take 45 days and cost thousands.

The process involves essentially the following simple steps to have charging capability installed:

• Car owner applies for license to City (in person in some locations, online in others)
• Car owner provides proof of insurance
• City issues City Permit to install charger
• Utility company reviews installation contract
• Electrician installs charger adapter
• Utility company returns to install separate meter.

Sounds simple enough. But guess what? Because electric cars are still too new of a product in the market, we’re still trying to work out the proper procedures and processes. I’m sure over time this whole permit thing will be resolved and streamlined. Nobody says we’ll switch to electric cars overnight.

Read John Addison’s “Electric Vehicle Charging Passes Inspection” article.

One More Challenge For the Electric Car – Charging Station Permit and Installation is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Elkhart, Indiana – Further accelerating the manufacturing and deployment of electric vehicles, batteries, and components here in America, and creating tens of thousands of new jobs, President Obama today announced 48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects that will receive $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects, selected through a highly competitive process by the Department of Energy, will accelerate the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles, helping to establish American leadership in creating the next generation of advanced vehicles.

View listing of award recipients. View map showing award recipients.

“If we want to reduce our dependence on oil, put Americans back to work and reassert our manufacturing sector as one of the greatest in the world, we must produce the advanced, efficient vehicles of the future,” said President Obama.

“For our nation and our economy to recover, we must have a vision for what can be built here in the future – and then we need to invest in that vision,” said Vice President Biden. “That’s what we’re doing today and that’s what this Recovery Act is about.”

The announcement marks the single largest investment in advanced battery technology for hybrid and electric-drive vehicles ever made. Industry officials expect that this $2.4 billion investment, coupled with another $2.4 billion in cost share from the award winners, will result directly in the creation tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. battery and auto industries.

The new awards cover the following areas:

• $1.5 billion in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce batteries and their components and to expand battery recycling capacity;
• $500 million in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce electric drive components for vehicles, including electric motors, power electronics, and other drive train components; and
• $400 million in grants to purchase thousands of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles for test demonstrations in several dozen locations; to deploy them and evaluate their performance; to install electric charging infrastructure; and to provide education and workforce training to support the transition to advanced electric transportation systems.

Today, President Obama visited Navistar International Corporation, in Elkhart, Ind., to make the announcement. Navistar will receive a $39 million grant to manufacture electric trucks which the company reports will ultimately will create or save hundreds of jobs when full scale manufacturing at the site commences. Overall, seven projects in Indiana will receive grants totaling more than $400 million. The applications from the companies and from one university engaged in this technology research anticipate that these awards will create or save thousands of jobs.

Vice President Joe Biden and four Members of the Cabinet, also fanned out across the country to discuss the historic announcement.

Vice President Biden was in Detroit to announce over $1 billion in grants to companies and universities based in Michigan. Reflecting the state’s leadership in clean energy manufacturing, Michigan companies and institutions are receiving the largest share of grant funding of any state. Two companies, A123 and Johnson Controls, will receive a total of approximately $550 million to establish a manufacturing base in the state for advanced batteries, and two others, Compact Power and Dow Kokam, will receive a total of over $300 million for manufacturing battery cells and materials. Large automakers based in Michigan, including GM, Chrysler, and Ford, will receive a total of more than $400 million to manufacture thousands of advanced hybrid and electric vehicles as well as batteries and electric drive components. And three educational institutions in Michigan, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University in Detroit, and Michigan Technological University in Houghton in the Upper Peninsula, will receive a total of more than $10 million for education and workforce training programs to train researchers, technicians and service providers, and to conduct consumer research to accelerate the transition towards advanced vehicles and batteries.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu, whose Department selected the 48 award winners, visited Celgard, in Charlotte, NC, to announce a $49 million grant for the company to expand its separator production capacity to serve the expected increased demand for lithium-ion batteries from manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Celgard will be expanding its manufacturing capacity in Charlotte, NC and nearby Aiken, SC, and the company expects the new separator production to come online in 2010. Celgard expects that approximately hundreds of jobs could be created, with the first of those jobs beginning as early as Fall 2009.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson was in St. Petersburg, FL, to announce a $95.5 million grant for Saft America, Inc. to construct a new plant in Jacksonville on the site of the former Cecil Field military base, to manufacture lithium-ion cells, modules and battery packs for military, industrial, and agricultural vehicles.

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation John Porcari visited East Penn Manufacturing Co., in Lyon Station, Penn., to award the company a $32.5 million grant to increase production capacity for their valve regulated lead-acid batteries and the UltraBattery, a lead-acid battery combined with a carbon supercapacitor, for micro and mild hybrid applications. East Penn Manufacturing is a third-generation family business with over 63 years in battery manufacturing.

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Kansas City, Missouri, to announce a $10 million grant for Smith Electric to build and deploy up to 100 electric vehicles, including vans, pickups, and their “Newton” brand medium duty trucks. In addition, Secretary Locke announced three other grants supporting manufacturing and educational programs in Missouri: a $30 million grant to Ford Motor Company supporting the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Kansas City and in Michigan; a $73 million grant to Chrysler, for the manufacturing of 220 plug-in hybrid and electric pickup trucks and minivans in St. Louis and in Michigan; and a $5 million grant to Missouri University of Science and Technology, in Rolla, Missouri, to fund educational and workforce training programs on advanced vehicles technologies.

President Obama Announces $2.4 Billion in Grants to Accelerate the Manufacturing and Deployment of the Next Generation of U.S. Batteries and Electric Vehicles is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Updated 08-14-09. YOKOHAMA, (Aug. 2, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. LEAF stands for Leading Environmentally friendly Affordable Family car.

NISSAN LEAF

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

• Zero-emission power train and platform
• Affordable pricing
• Distinctive design
• Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
• Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNCOLsBEA9Q

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY

Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge. (based on US LA4 mode, a typical urban driving cycle consist of a cold start phase, followed by a transient phase with many speed peaks which start from rest.)

Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.

And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.

REAL-WORLD CAR

The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

“Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.

Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special.” But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS

Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas:

1. Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,
2. Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and
3. Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

In fact Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation, and its subsidiary NEC TOKIN Corporation, just announced that their joint-venture company – Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) – has begun trial production of advanced lithium-ion batteries for a wide range of automotive applications at its Zama Operations Center. Read about AESC Lithium-Ion Batteries.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan’s EV’s will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

Official Nissan LEAF website.

ABOUT NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a global automotive company with vehicle sales of 3.411 million in 2008. Nissan is present in all major auto markets worldwide, selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and light commerical vehicles.

NISSAN BLUE CITIZENSHIP

Nissan is committed to making a better world through its commitment to corporate social responsibility. This includes programs that focus on technological innovations that focus on people and care for the planet. Our vision for zero-emission mobility is an outgrowth of our CSR approach, which we call Blue Citizenship. Together, we are working with our Alliance partner, Renault, to make a better world through zero-emission mobility.

Nissan Unveils “LEAF” Electric Car – Forget the Pump and Go Straight to Zero Emission is a post from: CleanCarTalk

I’ve just posted the Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium to begin with two cars on the list: the GM Volt and the BYD F3e. Both are intriguing vehicles and the public has many reasons to be excited about them.

The single fact that car makers and in the case of BYD, a battery maker, are announcing they’ll make all-electric and plug-in cars is reason enough for EV fans to salivate. I’m sure there’ll be challenges in battery energy storage technology to overcome before any of these cars make it to the market, and I applaud the companies for trying. Just look at the expected range on a single charge for these 2 cars (40 miles for the Volt and 185 miles for the F3e). Maybe they’re considered too optimistic by some. But they’re good aggressive goals and while we may not achieve them in the near term, I think they are exactly what the public needs to start thinking about the possibilities that these new electric and plug-in cars will enable us to do – independence from petroleum-based fuel, pollution-free driving and living, and so on.

The Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium will continue to expand to be cover the whole spectrum of available and planned cars.

Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium Begins with Two New EVs is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Updated 08-02-09. This is a compendium to help track the growing number of electric and plug-in cars that have been announced by manufacturers to be available in the next few years. It will serve as a quick reference for comparison purpose only. Because of the dynamic nature of the industry, this Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium will be updated regularly as more information becomes available. For suggestion or correction please use the contact form following the table.

Click on a column heading to sort.

Please use the form on our Contact page to send your suggestion or correction regarding the information in the Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium.

Electric & Plug-in Cars Compendium is a post from: CleanCarTalk

I ran into a really sad sight on my recent trip to the local Costco Warehouse. It forced me to think a little bit more than usual. It’s not the first time I noticed this. I’ve seen it many times before. But it wasn’t until yesterday that it dawned on me with a huge mega-watt light bulb. I wonder who else noticed it. Maybe everyone is immune to it.

What am I talking about? I’m talking about those electric car charging stations sitting idling and unused at Costco locations. Here’s what Costco wrote about these charging stations back in its December 2006 Costco Connection issue:

“Costco offers 90 charging stations at 64 locations. Most of the stations are in California, with a handful in Arizona, New York and Georgia…The process couldn’t be simpler. Members park in reserved spaces, attach special paddles and head into the warehouse. By the time their shopping is done, their car should be, too.”

The article had this photo showing a Toyota RAV-4 EV parking right next to it, although I don’t think it’s charging. As far as I know all those charging stations are still where they’re originally installed. The one near my home in Carmel Mountain Ranch has 2 charging stations and 2 spaces. The sad fact is there’s no one using them.

Well back to the present, November 2008. I couldn’t help but whip out my iPhone to take a few snapshots. What a sad scene, I must admit. One can look at this from different angles, including:

1. It’s such a big waste of space. Many cars can utilize this space every day. Oh wait, people are parking in those spaces. In fact there’s an SUV parking right there!
2. Actually it’s not a bad storage area. Or a temporary shopping cart roundup area. Or a place to recycle cardboard boxes.
3. There must not be enough electric car drivers who need a recharge while shopping, else there would be some serious complaints logged.

I guess we’re still not ready for clean electric or plug-in cars yet. These charging stations are still way ahead of their times.

What a Sad Sight: Electric Car Charging Station at my Local Costco Warehouse. is a post from: CleanCarTalk