Charging Ahead

The market for electric cars in the United States may be ready to boom. Manufacturers and communities are working to eliminate many of the obstacles that have prevented electric automobiles from being successfully introduced in the past. Nissan has plans to introduce 5,000 of its new all-electric cars in five test markets in late 2010. The batteries in the Nissan Leaf have a range of 100 city miles. Since the charging can be done at three levels: 120, 240, or 480 volts, owners will have the choice of charging at home, in public garages or at designated charging units along freeways. The Department of Energy is investing more than $100 million in funding to help early-adopter cities prepare the necessary infrastructure for recharging these batteries. The government is also providing tax credits to electric car purchasers and loans to electric vehicle manufacturers. Proponents of electric vehicles hope that the market for electric cars will expand to about one million in the next decade, and that limited range vehicle fleets such a city buses and postal trucks will also embrace the technology.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1762461
• Authors:
  • Best, Allen
• Publication Date: 2010-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 10-14
• Serial:
  • Planning
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Planning Association
  • ISSN: 0001-2610
  • Serial URL: http://www.planning.org

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Battery chargers; Electric automobiles; Electric batteries; Government funding; Infrastructure; Market assessment
• Identifier Terms: Nissan automobile
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01163943
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 27 2010 7:30AM