Nissan, Sumitomo Bring Low-Cost Electric-Car Quick Charger to U.S. Market

HONOLULU, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) today announced that it is bringing an innovative, low-cost DC quick charger for electric cars to the U.S. market. The DC quick charger is being launched as part of a global collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation, with the first installations planned for early 2012.

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Nissan and Sumitomo also announced that they are looking to Nissan North America's preferred home charging station partner AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) to be their wholesale and retail distributor, as well as the preferred provider for U.S. installation services.  

Nissan announced the development at a press conference associated with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Honolulu, where Nissan also is offering test drives of the all-electric Nissan LEAF, the only 100 percent electric car designed for the mass market. 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 U.S. consumers equipped with an on-board quick-charging port.

The starting price for the charger will be $9,900, about a third of the cost of models available on the global market today. 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 centers. Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation, together with its U.S. subsidiary Sumitomo Corporation of America, currently are taking pre-orders for the charger, with an online ordering system launching in January 2012. 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, NNA. "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."

Nissan Motor Co. 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.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information, including photos and video b-roll, on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion U.S.). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award and 2011 World Car of the Year.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation engages in multifaceted business activities benefitting from their Integrated Corporate Strength, selling a variety of domestic products and services, conducting import/export and trilateral business transactions, providing domestic and international business investment, and participating in numerous other profitable activities facilitated by their global network and the relationships of trust built with corporate business partners and consumers in various industrial sectors around the world. SC is registered in the stock exchange of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. With approximately 5,159 employees in 66 countries, SC generated J.Yen 2,027 (100 millions of yen; US GAAP base) in 2010 of profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.sumitomocorp.co.jp/english/.

About Sumitomo Corporation of America

Established in 1952, Sumitomo Corporation of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation.  It is headquartered in New York City and is an integrated global trading company with diversified investments in businesses involved in manufacturing and marketing of consumer products, providing financing for customers and suppliers, coordination and operation of urban and industrial infrastructure products, providing transportation and logistics services, developing natural resources, distribution of steel and other products and developing and managing real estate.  The company's offices and business investments range throughout North America, Canada and Mexico and Central and South America.

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment's comprehensive EV charging solutions include EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers, utilities, government agencies and businesses. More information is available at www.avinc.com and www.evsolutions.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America