ECOtality, Inc., a provider of clean electric transportation and storage technologies and project manager of the EV project, recently announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has expanded The EV Project to include two new cities -- Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C.
The project has broadened the offer of free home chargers to include qualified new owners of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability.
The expansion also adds an additional 1,000 Nissan LEAF zero-emission cars to the Project.
The EV Project began in October 2009 with an original grant amount of $99.8 million and the objective of creating new jobs, jump-starting the economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its mission is to evaluate the use of electric vehicles and charging systems in diverse geographies and climates, then to use that information to build a foundation that will optimize adoption of electric vehicles nationwide. Inclusion of the Volt now allows for the study of performance and use patterns for electric vehicles with extended-range capability.
With the assistance of more than forty partners, The EV Project will deliver nearly 15,000 residential and commercial chargers to 13 cities in five states and the District of Columbia.
"Nissan is looking forward to bringing the Nissan LEAF and sustainable mobility to Los Angeles," said Eric Noziere, vice president, Corporate Planning, Nissan North America. "We have seen tremendous interest through early reservations from LA consumers. These 1,000 Nissan LEAF 100% electric cars and supporting charging infrastructure will help create a successful environment for electric vehicles as we approach the December launch of the Nissan LEAF. In total, Nissan is supporting The EV Project through 5,700 vehicles, nationwide."
"Many Volt owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power," said Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt. "For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect The EV Project to save them a significant amount of money. In addition, The EV Project enables Volt owners to play a role in developing our collective understanding of electric vehicles in the market."
For more information on the The EV Project, visit www.theevproject.com.
