More news from across the ‘pond’… A new “No Charge to Charge” program, offered by Nissan and NRG eVgo, provides unlimited access to the eVgo network of public charging stations for free for the first year to new owners of Nissan Leafs in Texas.
Why is that relevant to UK customers? Well, although eVgo doesn’t exist in the UK, it is an example of the type of program springing up across the globe allowing more and more EV owners to charge up for free at publicly available infrastructure.
Charging infrastructure is something we at AutoVolt Magazine are always banging on about and it is one of the most important aspects of EV ownership. Just imagine you’re the ideal candidate for buying an EV but the moment the question of range comes into play, you’re instantly into the search for where you can charge your EV. Of course, in petrol and diesel vehicles, fuel stations are taken for granted. Their convenience is so assured that we don’t think twice about it ever being a problem to refuel. The truth is that there can be many miles between fuel stations, especially in more remote areas such as Scotland and parts of Wales. So, the same concerns apply to electric vehicle charging.
The truth is, there is likely to be an electric vehicle charging point available somewhere along most major routes around the UK and so that concern is decreasing rapidly – but some chargers require cards to be able to use them, which is fine if you have them all, but if not then it can be a struggle.
Programs such as the eVgo in America is a good step in the right direction, making public charging points available to Nissan Leaf owners for a year means those owners will get used to using those charging stations if they need to and as a result the infrastructure issues in the minds of those people will be alleviated greatly.
For our Americann readers, here’s more information about the eVgo program:
Beginning in October, customers who lease or purchase a new Nissan LEAF in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets will receive one year of complimentary access to eVgo’s comprehensive Freedom Station ® charging network, including 23 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and 17 in the greater Houston area. Also, included as part of the eVgo network, is charging at Park N’ Fly locations at DFW and IAH airports.
“Nissan LEAF owners who already subscribe to NRG eVgo’s Freedom Station network rave about the convenience and increased range confidence it provides. Adding one of the country’s most innovative charging plans to the world’s best-selling electric car is a clear win for Nissan LEAF buyers.”
Said Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of EV Sales and Marketing.
Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing markets in the country for Nissan LEAF sales, with deliveries up 500 percent so far in 2013 when compared to 2012. The presence of strong public infrastructure with eVgo, as well as major technology companies and strong word-of-mouth referrals from existing owners has fuelled the rapid rise in LEAF sales.
“NRG eVgo has created a comprehensive suite of electric vehicle charging products to support the growing number of EVs and to address EV drivers’ need to charge both at home as well as on the road. With access to our well-placed charging stations across the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas, Nissan LEAF drivers can really maximize their use of the vehicle.”
Said Jack Cannata, director of marketing for NRG eVgo.
eVgo Freedom Station sites, conveniently located along major roadways, offer electric car drivers DC fast charging and Level 2 charging. DC fast chargers can deliver up to an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes and don’t forget that it is rare to have to charge your car from empty, so the true time spent at the ‘pump’can be much less.
Level 2 chargers deliver range at a rate of 12 – 25 miles per hour. Most sites are available 24/7 and are positioned near retail stores as well as restaurants to provide the option to shop or eat while charging.
Nissan will offer “No Charge to Charge” with acquisitions of the Nissan LEAF made between October 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 at all certified Nissan LEAF dealers in the Dallas-Fort Worth and greater Houston area markets.
To find out more about the eVgo network, visit their website here: www.evgonetwork.com
Source; Nissan & NRG eVgo
