Aggregated news about this and that
Nissan LEAF May sales
Nissan LEAF sales in the United States reached 1,142 for the month of May. Just as sales were expected to ramp up in the U.S., impact of the earthquake and tsunami are going to make themselves known, not just with LEAF or just with Nissan, but with all things made in Japan. Look for sales volume to pick up in the last quarter of the year.
New iPhone app available – where to charge your EV
The developer of Dictionary.com has developed a new iPhone app that allows users to find EV charging stations. Launched in December it allows users to find chargers by connector type (ie: J1772 or CHAdeMO) and can use your iPhone to determine proximity. Users can add to the database. Recargo is also available online.
DC Fast Chargers coming to Oregon
Aerovironment was chosen to provide 8 480-volt DC Fast Chargers along a 150 mile stretch of Interstate 5 from Oregon’s southern state line with California up to the Willamette Valley. Installation is expected to be completed by fall.
Washington state ski resort gets charged up
Stevens Pass Resort east of Seattle has installed two 240-volt charging docks. These stations are part of the ChargePoint network and will initially be available at no charge. Washington Department of Transportation is also considering installation of two DC Fast Charge stations along U.S. 2 between Everett and Stevens Pass.
Think City EV loses investor
Ford, an early investor in the Think City electric car, pulled the plug in 2002 after investing $123 million. Now EV battery maker Ener1 is calling it quits after investing $73 million. Ener1 was to supply the lithium-ion batteries for the vehicle. Think City faces an uphill battle after the launch of the LEAF. With a price tag of $41,695 (prior to incentives) Think City has to have greater appeal than LEAF to succeed. The fact that top speed is only 70 miles per hour is also an issue. The challenge that faces smaller manufacturers is the ability to create a strong product at a good price.
Chevy Volts changing hands among dealers
Non-Volt Chevrolet dealers are buying Volts from certified Volt dealers and then either offering them for sale, or using them as dealer demos to take orders. In some cases, Volts are being sold by non-Chevrolet dealers as used cars without the $7,500 Federal Income Tax credit being available to those buyers. Apparently these cars are purchased from Chevrolet dealerships with the purchasing dealership applying for the tax credit.
West Palm Beach gets EV charging stations, expecting 5 LEAFs for city use
West Palm Beach, Florida will be installing 5 charging docks in a parking facility for city use when they receive 5 LEAFs for city use later this year. In addition, 2 publicly available charging stations will be made available at no charge. The public stations will be available free of charge.