Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets
Like a hamburger Happy Meal, Nissan's brand new quick-charge station is fast, cheap and easy, thanks to its tasty new electric circuit technology. Nissan claims the 49kW charger takes up less space, is easier to install and a heckuva lot cheaper than former models, leaving only a ¥1 million yen (or around $10,000) dent in your pocket compared to the former ¥1.47 million (or $19,088) crater. Hoping to sell around 5,000 units and set up charging stations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun by March 2016, Nissan sees the technology rolling out in the US and Europe sometime in the near future -- no toy included. Pull over for the full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Nissan Develops New Quick Charger for Electric Vehicles
YOKOHAMA, Japan - September 12, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed its new quick charger to the public and announced plans for this proprietary technology to go on sale in November 2011 at Nissan parts companies throughout Japan.
New quick charger unit (standard specification)
The newly-developed quick charging unit retains the high performance of the current quick charger manufactured by Nissan, which is now on sale with a suggested retail price of 1.47 million yen (including tax), but is nearly half the size (by volume). The new charger unit's smaller size will take up less space and enable easier installation. When it goes on sale, the new standard specification quick charger unit will be highly competitive and great value to customers because it will cost significantly less than one million yen, while the base specification unit will cost only below one half the price of the current unit.
Nissan aims to sell 5,000 of the new quick chargers by the end of fiscal year 2015 (March 2016) to contribute to the ongoing development of the EV quick charging infrastructure in Japan. The company plans to install the new charging units at an increasing number of its dealerships nationwide and introduce the new units at local government facilities and in locations that draw large numbers of customers in regions throughout Japan. Nissan is also proactively seeking partner companies for sales as part of its efforts to assure customers of a comfortable and convenient electric vehicle driving experience. Preparations are also underway for future sales of the new quick charger in the US and in European markets.
Product Outline
Four features of the new quick charger
Safety
The new unit can be used even in rainy weather, and offers many safety features, such as monitoring against a potential short circuit when the charging unit is interfacing with the EV, for safe charging.
Universal compatibility
It complies with CHAdeMO*1 protocol and is compatible with Nissan EVs as well as EVs manufactured by other companies.
Responsive to various charging environments
To meet a variety of customer needs, Nissan has developed three specifications: base, standard and cold weather specifications.
Competitive pricing
Thanks to the adoption of new electric circuit technology*2 and by harnessing technology used in Nissan manufacturing and R&D, the new unit features a simple and efficient design that enables a low price.
Specifications
Base specification Standard specification Cold weather specification
Rated input 49kW 3- AC200V
Output voltage Maximum DC500V
Output current Maximum DC125A
Connector to feed power to the EV JEVS G 105-1993-compliant*3
Height/width/depth (mm) 1,840x380x665
Countermeasures taken
Heater
Cold-resistant cable
Main specifications
Indoor specification
No LCD display
External charger connector hook
2m cable
Antirust paint
Outdoor specification
Monochrome LCD display (color LCD display is an option)
Built-in connector holder
4m cable
Final paint coating (white)
Outdoor specification
Monochrome LCD display (color LCD display is an option)
Built-in connector holder
4m cable
Final paint coating (white)
Heater
Cold-resistant cable
