Renault Samsung to introduce electric cars to the Korean market
According to the Korea Times Renault Samsung will be expanding their Korean dealership network this year in anticipation of greater sales. Plans include the launch of a Renault-Nissan alliance electric vehicle (EV) sometime next year.
Gatwick Airport gets EV charge spots
Gatwick Airport has installed four EV charging stations for consumer use. Parking will be free for four hours, as will the use of the charger. The airport operating authority also has plans to increase the low emissions vehicles in their own fleet to 20% by 2015.
Plug-In 2011 registration opens
If you are in the Southeast, Plug-In 2011 will be in Raleigh, N.C. July 18-21 with registration now open. Sessions are scheduled to include a discussion of the future of EVs. More can be found at their site.
Low cost 208-240 volt charging available
ClipperCreek, a Northern California equipment supplier currently offers a residential 208-240 volt charging station for $995. Granted, you need to spring for the installation but Uncle Sam still provides a 30% equipment/installation credit up to $1,000 through the end of the year. After reading and hearing some of the tales of woe of others regarding charging installation issues, this seems to be a viable alternative to manufacturers recommendations. ClipperCreek has been producing EV equipment for many years.
5 minute LEAF charge?
We have discussed this technology before, but it seems to have popped up again – only this time someone claims to have done it. A team in Japan claims to have fully charged a production spec LEAF battery in under 5 minutes using high energy capacitor technology. Those in the know say it can’t be done – at least not yet. Nor cost effectively. Looks like we need to get some independent third party verification of the claim.