All Nissan dealerships prepare for the electric Leaf

With the fully-electric Nissan Leaf due to arrive in August Nissan dealerships across the country need to be at the ready. Today it has been announced Schneider Electric has partnered with JET Charge to fit out all 89 Nissan dealerships across the country with EV charging stations. 

Schneider Electric’s charging units can also be installed by JET Charge for private buyers who purchase a Nissan LEAF. This will require three-phase power and obviously will come at a cost. Although for a month now our EFTM Hyundai Ioniq has managed to cover about 1000km just using domestic power sockets. 

Nissan research shows that most Leaf owners charge overnight, like other devices such as smartphones. This is a real no brainer and something we’ve become accustomed to here at EFTM.

Obviously, all of this news is irrelevant if you only have street parking or live in a block of units. But no need to panic, no one is forcing you to by an EV car for a very, very long time. Also, there are many different forms of electrified vehicles, such as 48-volt mild-hybrids and hybrids that use both a traditional engine and electric motor. These will be everywhere in 10 years time.

Australian Nissan Boss Stephen Lester said: “The new Nissan LEAF has the ability to transform the way we drive and live. The increase in power and particularly torque makes this vehicle a lot of fun to drive, surprising many who get to experience it. In-fact, electrified vehicles will represent a third of Nissan volume in Australia during our mid-term plan. By introducing more electric alternatives on several of our key models, we will make mass market electrification a reality. I have no doubt electric vehicles will be a success here, and sooner than many thinks, and Nissan is planning for this now to ensure we meet the future needs of the buyer.”

Tim Washington, CEO of JET Charge, said: “Working with Schneider Electric to provide reliable, world class charging technology enables us to install the best charging solutions for Australian consumers. Driven by increasing charging infrastructure and car model availabilities, the Australian electric vehicle industry is soon to leapfrog over other markets and is already well ahead of other markets. Partnering with leading car and technology manufacturers will enable us to accelerate this growth further and set Australian EV uptake soaring.”

Farokh Ghadially Vice President of Power Products and Solutions at Schneider Electric, said: “The automotive industry has been electrified with possibilities this year, with new vehicles, greater charging solutions and innovative technology setting the path for enthusiastic customers across Australia. Working with JET Charge and Nissan at the leading edge of EV design and solutions, we are proud that our technology is bringing EV charging solutions to more Australians than ever.”

Bring it on and please everyone, STOP PANICKING!