We cannot ignore the fact that there has been a huge "green" push over the last few years -- encouraging sustainability, lower emissions, and countless hours researching and testing new technologies. For the car industry, this led to the birth of the Hybrid vehicle and eventually the creation of an all-electric vehicle. The Nissan LEAF (which is FINALLY HERE! by the way..), is the first all-electric vehicle with absolutely no emissions and ZERO GAS. No gas. That means no waiting in line, no worrying about the rising price of gas, and no more abuse of the earth's limited natural resources. Now, we all know that a battery won't stay at 100% forever. There will be times when you have to charge your battery. However, the advanced technology that goes into the Nissan LEAF has created long-lasting batteries with an equivalence of 100 miles per gallon when to compared to non-electric vehicles. Also, we're seeing charging stations begin to sprout up everywhere with even Walgreens adding charging stations to their parking lots!
Here's a Q&A from Nissan's website about charging a LEAF.
Q: How much will my electric bill go up
by recharging my Nissan LEAF™ at home?
A: This will vary by vehicle usage and your electric rate. We strongly recommend that you contact your electricity provider to discuss special rates or incentives that may be available prior to getting an in-home assessment for your charging dock.
Q: If I want to "prewire" a new home for a future Nissan LEAF™ owner, what is required?
A: The home charging dock will require a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit connected to a breaker. The charging dock will need to be hard-wired directly to the circuit by a certified electrician.
Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
A: Yes, the home charging dock is weatherproof.
Q: When plugging the car in, will it be possible that the car is "smart"enough to pull electricity during non peak hours?
A: You can program the car to charge whenever you like. Most people will charge overnight at off-peak times like their cell phone.
Q: What is the estimated price of the home-installed charging station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?
A: The average estimated cost of a standard home charging dock installation in a typical new home is approximately $2,000 plus tax and license fees. Federal tax credits may offset a portion of the costs.
Q: Is there a timer that allows you to set what time the charging starts and stops?
A: Yes – you are able to set a charging timer in the car. You will also be able to control the car’s functions and charging from any computer or internet-enabled phone.
Q: Will the charger be built into the vehicle?
A: Yes. To charge, you will simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the charger.
Q: What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and fast charge stations?
A: It takes about ~30 minutes to 80% at a 480 volt quick-charge station. Starting from a depleted battery, ~7 hours at 220/240V (depending on amperage), about 20 hours at 110/120V.
Q: Can you install a charging station by yourself or does it have to be installed by a qualified electrician?
A: Your home charging dock will need to be installed by a professional electrician. But first, we will assist you with a home assessment which will help identify what is needed to make your home Nissan LEAF™ ready.
A: This will vary by vehicle usage and your electric rate. We strongly recommend that you contact your electricity provider to discuss special rates or incentives that may be available prior to getting an in-home assessment for your charging dock.
Q: If I want to "prewire" a new home for a future Nissan LEAF™ owner, what is required?
A: The home charging dock will require a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit connected to a breaker. The charging dock will need to be hard-wired directly to the circuit by a certified electrician.
Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
A: Yes, the home charging dock is weatherproof.
Q: When plugging the car in, will it be possible that the car is "smart"enough to pull electricity during non peak hours?
A: You can program the car to charge whenever you like. Most people will charge overnight at off-peak times like their cell phone.
Q: What is the estimated price of the home-installed charging station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?
A: The average estimated cost of a standard home charging dock installation in a typical new home is approximately $2,000 plus tax and license fees. Federal tax credits may offset a portion of the costs.
Q: Is there a timer that allows you to set what time the charging starts and stops?
A: Yes – you are able to set a charging timer in the car. You will also be able to control the car’s functions and charging from any computer or internet-enabled phone.
Q: Will the charger be built into the vehicle?
A: Yes. To charge, you will simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the charger.
Q: What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and fast charge stations?
A: It takes about ~30 minutes to 80% at a 480 volt quick-charge station. Starting from a depleted battery, ~7 hours at 220/240V (depending on amperage), about 20 hours at 110/120V.
Q: Can you install a charging station by yourself or does it have to be installed by a qualified electrician?
A: Your home charging dock will need to be installed by a professional electrician. But first, we will assist you with a home assessment which will help identify what is needed to make your home Nissan LEAF™ ready.
Q: How long will it be
before you can charge a car anywhere? Like at a gas station?
A: Nissan is working to encourage third party and government organizations to grow the charging infrastructure. As electric vehicle acceptance grows we expect additional growth. We do believe most people will charge their Nissan LEAF™ at home much like they do their cell phones.
Q: Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty?
A: Yes
Q: Does the navigation system list charging station locations?
A: The Nissan LEAF™ comes equipped with CARWINGS®. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations, and more.
Q: If you run out of power will a "AAA" tow truck have a recharger or would you need to be towed to a recharge station?
A: The car is equipped with a telematics system called CARWINGS® which will help you locate charging stations before this happens. Additionally, AAA has recently announced an EV-charging pilot program
Q: Are you working with power companies to develop fast charging stations using higher voltage?
A: We are working with governments and companies to foster a large network of fast-charging facilities. You can join the effort. Check out the advocacy tools on the website as a starter.
Q: Is the Nissan LEAF™ going to have an onboard charging system of some kind for emergency back up?
A: Your Nissan LEAF™ will be delivered with a 110/120V Trickle charge cable that works with the onboard charging system. As the name implies this will be primarily used for opportunity charging and is not recommended to be your primary method of charging. For that we have the Nissan home charging dock which uses a 220/240V dedicated line in your home.
Q: What do I do if I want to go farther than 100 miles in one trip?
A: The Nissan LEAF™’s CARWINGS® system will be able to show you charging locations along your route.
Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
A: Like all lithium ion batteries, the Nissan LEAF™ battery will experience gradual capacity loss over time. We expect the battery to last over 10 years, however, there may be a gradual loss of capacity of 30% or more depending on your driving patterns, and the effect on your battery. The battery can be used afterward for storage applications.
Q: Will it plug into a regular household outlet?
A: It will charge on a regular 110/120V 20-Amp dedicated outlet. This is considered a "trickle charge," which means it would charge at a slower rate. For home charging, we recommend a home charging dock on a dedicated 220/240V, 40A circuit.
Q: I live in an apartment. How would I go about charging the car?
A: Talk to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
A: CARWINGS® is a telematics system in the Nissan LEAF™ which will constantly update to show your vehicle and battery status, as well as charging locations, should you need them.
Q: You need the infrastructure first. Why would I buy the car when I would be tethered to my home for charging?
A: Most people will charge their car like a cell phone – at home overnight. We are also actively working with all levels of government and private corporations to grow the public infrastructure.
Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
A: A professional evaluation of your home electrical system is part of the overall purchase process. You can start by signing up for Nissan LEAF™ information.
Q: Since the Nissan LEAF™ solely runs on electricity, would charging from home dramatically increase my electricity bill?
A: Based on a US average of $0.11/kWh, a full charge will cost about $2.75. It could be even less, if your area has time-of-use rates and you charge at off-peak hours.
Q: How much will it cost to charge Nissan LEAF™ at a charging station?
A: The national average electricity cost is $0.11/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from Empty to Full.
Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Yes – Nissan is working with all levels of government and private corporations to develop public and work-based charging locations.
Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: Most people will charge it like a cell phone overnight at home. A full charge will take ~7h on a 220/240V home charging station. A 480V quick-charging capability will eventually be available in many markets once a standard is set.
Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
A: Absolutely. You’ll be able to charge at home, possibly at work and at stations along your route. Options will grow as infrastructure is developed.
Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy a proprietary power outlet or power station?
A: For home charging we recommend using a Home Charging Dock wired directly to a 220/240 volt 40 amp circuit to supply power to the vehicle.
A: Nissan is working to encourage third party and government organizations to grow the charging infrastructure. As electric vehicle acceptance grows we expect additional growth. We do believe most people will charge their Nissan LEAF™ at home much like they do their cell phones.
Q: Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty?
A: Yes
Q: Does the navigation system list charging station locations?
A: The Nissan LEAF™ comes equipped with CARWINGS®. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations, and more.
Q: If you run out of power will a "AAA" tow truck have a recharger or would you need to be towed to a recharge station?
A: The car is equipped with a telematics system called CARWINGS® which will help you locate charging stations before this happens. Additionally, AAA has recently announced an EV-charging pilot program
Q: Are you working with power companies to develop fast charging stations using higher voltage?
A: We are working with governments and companies to foster a large network of fast-charging facilities. You can join the effort. Check out the advocacy tools on the website as a starter.
Q: Is the Nissan LEAF™ going to have an onboard charging system of some kind for emergency back up?
A: Your Nissan LEAF™ will be delivered with a 110/120V Trickle charge cable that works with the onboard charging system. As the name implies this will be primarily used for opportunity charging and is not recommended to be your primary method of charging. For that we have the Nissan home charging dock which uses a 220/240V dedicated line in your home.
Q: What do I do if I want to go farther than 100 miles in one trip?
A: The Nissan LEAF™’s CARWINGS® system will be able to show you charging locations along your route.
Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
A: Like all lithium ion batteries, the Nissan LEAF™ battery will experience gradual capacity loss over time. We expect the battery to last over 10 years, however, there may be a gradual loss of capacity of 30% or more depending on your driving patterns, and the effect on your battery. The battery can be used afterward for storage applications.
Q: Will it plug into a regular household outlet?
A: It will charge on a regular 110/120V 20-Amp dedicated outlet. This is considered a "trickle charge," which means it would charge at a slower rate. For home charging, we recommend a home charging dock on a dedicated 220/240V, 40A circuit.
Q: I live in an apartment. How would I go about charging the car?
A: Talk to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
A: CARWINGS® is a telematics system in the Nissan LEAF™ which will constantly update to show your vehicle and battery status, as well as charging locations, should you need them.
Q: You need the infrastructure first. Why would I buy the car when I would be tethered to my home for charging?
A: Most people will charge their car like a cell phone – at home overnight. We are also actively working with all levels of government and private corporations to grow the public infrastructure.
Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
A: A professional evaluation of your home electrical system is part of the overall purchase process. You can start by signing up for Nissan LEAF™ information.
Q: Since the Nissan LEAF™ solely runs on electricity, would charging from home dramatically increase my electricity bill?
A: Based on a US average of $0.11/kWh, a full charge will cost about $2.75. It could be even less, if your area has time-of-use rates and you charge at off-peak hours.
Q: How much will it cost to charge Nissan LEAF™ at a charging station?
A: The national average electricity cost is $0.11/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from Empty to Full.
Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Yes – Nissan is working with all levels of government and private corporations to develop public and work-based charging locations.
Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: Most people will charge it like a cell phone overnight at home. A full charge will take ~7h on a 220/240V home charging station. A 480V quick-charging capability will eventually be available in many markets once a standard is set.
Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
A: Absolutely. You’ll be able to charge at home, possibly at work and at stations along your route. Options will grow as infrastructure is developed.
Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy a proprietary power outlet or power station?
A: For home charging we recommend using a Home Charging Dock wired directly to a 220/240 volt 40 amp circuit to supply power to the vehicle.
I’m excited to see more and more people enjoy the Nissan
LEAF and move towards sustainable options. This growing technology will
completely change the automotive industry. The Nissan LEAF is both sustainable
and practical. Its charge is long lasting, it has amazing styling, and it
offers a lot of space and comfort! Stop by our dealership today to test drive
the all-new Nissan LEAF.
P.S. Ever thought of electric aircraft? http://www.txchnologist.com/volumes/aviation/move-over-electric-car-the-electric-airplane-is-coming
