Mar 9 2009
ECOtality, Inc. (OTCBB: ETLY), a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, today announced it has entered into a commitment with Nissan North America and Pima Association of Governments (PAG) to facilitate the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charge infrastructure throughout Arizona’s Pima County. In conjunction with the anticipated 2010 launch of Nissan’s zero-emission electric vehicle, ECOtality will initiate its EV Micro-Climate program in the Tucson region to promote sensible policies, intelligent deployment of charge infrastructure, and strong public awareness to foster the successful consumer adoption of grid-connected electric vehicles.
“Given ECOtality’s strong experience with EV infrastructure and familiarity with the transportation and political environment in Arizona, ECOtality is uniquely positioned to assist Nissan and PAG in implementing the proper policies and physical infrastructure necessary for a seamless consumer transition to electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Read, president and CEO, ECOtality. “Working with relevant stakeholders, from policymakers to utilities, ECOtality will utilize our extensive EV installation history to ensure the implementation of charging infrastructure is done properly and efficiently, while minimizing the cost to public and private sector participants.”
ECOtality, PAG and Nissan have committed to work together to establish an EV Micro-Climate Working Group in Pima County that will unite strategic regional organizations to help streamline the rollout of charge infrastructure and public launch of grid-connected vehicles. In conjunction with these efforts, Nissan has committed to make available a supply of electric vehicles to the region’s public and private fleets in 2010, the year Nissan’s electric vehicle will be ready for the commercial market.
“This partnership represents a major step toward making zero emissions a reality in the Tucson Metro Area,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. “The Tucson area long has been a leader in advanced technology and sustainability planning. We are looking forward to working with our partners in fostering the development and acceptance of electric vehicles as a smart, environmentally sound choice.”
While the implementation of public charge infrastructure is planned to support the launch of Nissan’s zero-emission vehicle, public charging stations in the Tucson region will meet all EV charge system standards (including the SAE J1772 Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler Specifications) to be universally compatible with new grid-connected vehicles of other major automakers.
“PAG and our Clean Cities Program are excited to partner with ECOtality and Nissan on this initiative to make the Tucson region an EV Micro-Climate and promote zero emission vehicles in Arizona,” said Colleen Crowninshield, manager of PAG’s Clean Cities Program. “Through physical infrastructure deployments and streamlined installation processes, the Tucson region will be an attractive launch market not just for Nissan’s electric vehicle, but all grid-connected vehicles.”