Nissan International SA has joined Renault SA's partnership with the regional government of Castillay León to advance zero-emission mobility in the region through the promotion of electric vehicles and an electric-vehicle charging network.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties, Nissan will deliver electric vehicles to Castillay León through its dealer network, starting in 2011 with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable zero-emission vehicle for the global mass market. Nissan will also help define and validate EV charging devices in the region to ensure their compatibility with current and future regulations. The regional government plans to set up 900 public charging points by 2015. Of that total, 300 will be located on streets while 600 will be installed in underground parking areas. Castillay León may supplement some with quick charging points depending upon market demand. By the end of 2011, 40 charging points are expected to have been installed above ground and 60 underground.
Castillay León is also planning several financial and non-financial incentives to boost demand for electric vehicles, including tax credits and subsidies for home charging units.
"Castillay León will be the first Spanish region to mass produce a 100% electric car when Renault, with whom we signed an agreement last year, starts producing here in late 2011. Our Regional Strategy for EVs includes measures to boost consumer demand and industrial activities linked to such cars. We are also investing in the necessary charging infrastructure to guarantee the success of this new mode of transportation. Together with Nissan and Renault, the two leading global automakers in electro mobility, we now have a solid partnership for advancing the market," said Tomas Villanueva, Economic Vice President of the regional government of Castillay León.
"We look forward to working with the regional government of Castillay León and Renault to making zero-emission mobility a reality here. Three affordable pure electric vehicles from the Alliance will launch in Castillay León this year, starting with the award-winning Nissan LEAF which delivers the same performance, roominess, comfort, safety features and quality that people expect from our brand - minus the tailpipe emissions," said Pierre Loing, Vice President of Product Planning & Strategy at Nissan International and head of the company's zero emission business unit in Europe. Nissan International, based in Rolle, Switzerland, is the headquarters for Nissan in Europe.
With its compact, highly efficient lithium-ion batteries and powerful electric motor, the five-seater Nissan LEAF has a range of about 175 km (New European Driving Cycle) while a suitable quick charge system can restore up to 80 per cent of battery power in just under 30 minutes. Instantly responsive acceleration is matched by a top speed of 145 km/h. Best of all, there are no tailpipe emissions, making Nissan LEAF the ideal mode of transport for crowded inner cities.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. By 2015, the Alliance will have the capacity to produce 500,000 electric vehicles and batteries at its plants around the world, making it the only automaker in the world to build electric vehicles and batteries on this scale.
The Alliance is adopting a comprehensive approach to the mass-marking of electric vehicles which encompasses both the product and the infrastructure. To date, the Alliance entered into more than 90 partnerships with governments, municipal authorities and companies around the world to put in place the necessary incentives and infrastructure for the successful uptake of such vehicles.
In addition to the regional government of Castillay León, the Alliance has partnered with the City of Madrid, the City of Barcelona, the City Council of Sevilla, the government of Catalunia and the regional government of Andalucia in Spain.