Q: If I want to "prewire" a new home for a future Nissan LEAF owner, what is required?
A: The home charging dock will require a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit connected to a breaker. The charging dock will need to be hard-wired directly to the circuit by a certified electrician.
Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
A: Yes, the home charging dock will be weatherproof.
Q: Is there a timeline for the development of sufficient "charging station" infrastructure to make this competitive with ICEs?
A: We are working with government and private corporations to grow infrastructure. You can help by supporting this growth in your own community.
Q: When plugging the car in, will it be possible that the car is "smart"enough to pull electricity during non peak hours?
A: You can program the car to charge whenever you like. Most people will charge overnight at off-peak times like their cell phone.
Q: What is the expected price of the home-installed charge station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?
A: We expect the standard home charging dock installation to be around $2,200, but this will vary with the age and configuration of your home. Federal tax credits may offset 50% of the cost (up to $2000) through Dec. 2010 unless government extends it further.
Q: Where will the "appropriate charging stations" be located?
A: We're encouraging a wide public charging network in the future. Your nav system will periodically populate these locations as they come online. Your home charging dock will be your primary charging station.
Q: Is there a timer that allows you to set what time the charging starts and stops?
A: Yes - you will be able to set a charging timer in the car. You will also be able to control the car's functions and charging from any computer or internet-enabled phone.
Q: Will the charger be built into the vehicle?
A: Yes. To charge, you will simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the charger.
Q: What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and fast charge stations?
A: It takes about ~30 minutes to 80% at a 480 volt quick-charge station. Starting from a depleted battery, ~8 hours at 220/240V (depending on amperage), about 20 hours at 110/120V.
Q: Can you install a charging station by yourself or does it have to be installed by a qualified electrician?
A: Your home charging dock will need to be installed by a professional electrician. But first, we will assist you with a home assessment which will help identify what is needed to make your home Nissan LEAF ready.
Q: How long will it be before you can charge a car anywhere? Like at a gas station?
A: Nissan is working to encourage third party and government organizations to grow the charging infrastructure. As electric vehicle acceptance grows we expect additional growth. We do believe most people will charge their Nissan LEAF at home much like they do their cell phones.
Q: Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty? A: YesQ: Will the navigation system list charge station areas?
A: The car will come equipped with Nissan Connection Powered by CARWINGS. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations and more.
Q: If you run out of power will a "AAA" tow truck have a recharger or would you need to be towed to a recharge station?
A: We're exploring roadside assistance possibilities. The car will be equipped with a telematics system called Nissan Connection Powered by CARWINGS which will help you find charging stations before this happens.
Q: Are you working with power companies to develop fast charging stations using higher voltage?
A: We are working with governments and companies to foster a large network of fast-charging facilities. You can join the effort. Check out the advocacy tools on the website as a starter.
Q: Is the Nissan LEAF going to have an onboard charging system of some kind for emergency back up?
A: Your Nissan LEAF will be delivered with a 110/120V Trickle charge cable that works with the onboard charging system. As the name implies this will be primarily used for opportunity charging and is not recommended to be your primary method of charging. For that we have the Nissan home charging dock which uses a 220/240V dedicated line in your home.
Q: What do I do if I want to go farther than 100 miles in one trip?
A: The Nissan LEAF's nav system will be able to show you charging locations along your route.
Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
A: The battery will have a lifespan for automotive use of 5-10 years under normal use. We are still working to define all variables which will impact battery performance. Check back or sign up to get future updates.
Q: Will it plug into a regular household outlet?
A: It will charge on a regular 110/120V 20-Amp dedicated outlet. This is considered a "trickle charge," which means it would charge at a slower rate. For home charging, we recommend a home charging dock on a dedicated 220/240V, 40A circuit.
Q: I live in an apartment. How would I go about charging the car?
A: Start talking to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
A: Nissan Connection Powered by CARWINGS is a telematics system in the Nissan LEAF which will constantly update to show your vehicle and battery status & charging locations should you need them.
Q: You need the infrastructure first. Why would I buy the car when I would be tethered to my home for charging?
A: Most people will charge their car like a cell phone - at home overnight. We are also working with all levels of government and private corporations to grow infrastructure.
Q: Is an upgrade to my home electrical system required to set up the charging station?
A: A professional evaluation of your home electrical system is part of the overall purchase process. You can start by signing up for Nissan LEAF information. Those who sign up will be the first eligible to reserve a vehicle.
Q: Since the Nissan LEAF solely runs on electricity, would charging from home dramatically increase my electricity bill?
A: Based on a US average of $0.11/kWh, a full charge will cost about $2.75. It could be even less, if your area has time-of-use rates and you charge at off-peak hours.
Q: How much will it cost to charge the car at a charging station?
A: The national average electricity cost is $0.1147/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from Empty to Full.
Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Yes - Nissan is working with all levels of government and private corporations to develop public and work-based charging locations.
Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: Most people will charge it like a cell phone overnight at home. A full charge will take 8h on a 220/240V home charging station. A 480V quick-charging capability will eventually be available in many markets once a standard is set.
Q: Will there be multiple options on how/where to charge up?
A: Absolutely. You'll be able to charge at home, possibly at work and at stations along your route. Options will grow as infrastructure is developed.
Q: Will there be a standard power plug (110/220V), or do we have to buy a proprietary power outlet or power station?
A: For home charging we recommend using a Home Charging Dock wired directly to a 220/240 volt 40 amp circuit to supply power to the vehicle.