Nissan to introduce cheapest quick charger

Nissan is bringing a low-cost DC quick charger for electric cars to the US market, which is about one-third of the cost of models available on the global market.

The starting price for the charger will be US$9,900 (about RM32,000), about a third of the cost of models available on the global market today.

The DC quick charger is being launched as part of a global collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation, with the first installations planned for early 2012. The new DC quick charger can support all plug-in vehicles capable of quick charging on the CHAdeMO standard, including the Nissan LEAF which is available to US consumers equipped with an on-board quick-charging port.

Nissan previously announced joint promotion of the DC Quick charger with Sumitomo Corporation in US market.

The newly developed DC quick charging unit retains the high performance of current quick chargers but is nearly half the size – making for a more compact footprint and easier installation.

Through this new charger, which operates on a 480v current, charging time for the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be under 30 minutes, from a fully depleted state to 80-percent charged.

The quick charger will come in two different models: a version for indoor use, designed to help accommodate fleets such as daily rental cars; and an outdoor model, which is specifically designed for public and commercial charging uses – such as public spaces, corporate campuses, and retail centres.

Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation, together with its US subsidiary Sumitomo Corporation of America, currently are taking pre-orders for the charger, with an online ordering system launching in January 2012.

Home charging station partner AeroVironment will help manage installation and distribution.

“This charger is the first of its kind, and it’s truly revolutionary,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America.

“A low-cost DC quick charger unlocks the potential for unprecedented electric vehicle use and adoption. We anticipate thousands of these chargers will be installed across the country, enabling electric cars like the Nissan LEAF to be driven for even greater distances and durations.”

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Frank Okemwa