Electric Cars 101

The Basics of Owning an Electric Vehicle 

So you've probably heard us and everyone else talking about electric cars.  However, as if with most new technologies, there are plenty of questions surrounding it.  

In fact a recent study showed that consumers still have many concerns and questions about the particulars of owning an electric car, mostly the charging process.  Today, we're here to answer those questions.  

First off is the electricity behind it all.  It takes at least a 12-amp circuit to charge an electric vehicle in a timely manner. 

Depending on which car you buy and the age of your home, the cost of getting the garage prepared for charging an electric car can range from nothing to a few thousand dollars. Since older homes weren’t constructed with electric cars in mind, and many older homes can’t supply enough power to charge them, you may have to rewire the garage. 

The Nissan Leaf charges in roughly eight hours on a 240-volt circuit, and about 16 hours to charge on a 120-volt circuit. The Chevrolet Volt can be charged in about 5 hours on a 240-volt circuit, and in about 10 hours on a 120-volt circuit.

GM says recharging the Volt won’t add more than about an additional $1.50 per day to your electric bill, based on the national average electricity cost of 11 cents per kilowatt hour. AeroVironment, the company that manufactures Nissan charging stations, recommends installing a special 240-volt station in your garage.

So sure, there are some measures to take but the money you'd save on gas is clearly a consideration. Still plenty to debate, feel free to ask us any questions! 

Plus don't forget the Chevy Volt is currently at West Herr Chevy of OP, your Buffalo chevy dealer!

The Solar Powered Leaf

Couple Powering Nissan Leaf Entirely on Solar Power 

Had to share this great story with you all.  The Nissan Leaf was already known for it's environmental consciousness, but a couple livng outside Seattle, WA has taken that idea a step further.  

Bob and Ann Sextro have installed a home solar power system to charge the Leaf as opposed to using the home charging unit. Essentially, they dont have to pay a monthly bill.  Not bad.  

According to Care2.com, They are putting electricity back into the grid system to the utility company, so they are actually getting paid and say they make eight dollars every time they drive 100 miles

The irony of course is that Seattle gets approximately 72 sunny days per year according to Current Results.com.  Still, it's working just fine for the Carlsborg, WA couple.

“We just love watching the power meter go backwards,” Ann Sextro said to the Peninsula Daily News.  

Innovative and cool.  See a video of all this at work. 

5 Things You Didn't Know About the Nissan Leaf

Some Facts About This New Electric Car Will Astound You

You've seen the commercials and you've heard the hype.  But there are still some things you may not know about the Nissan Leaf.  Here are some of the better features:

#5- It's Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

In fact, 60 percent of the plastic on the Leaf's interior is already recycled material—much of it comes from used water bottles—and at the end of the Leaf's lifespan, 99 percent of the 3375-pound vehicle weight is recyclable and can be transformed back into water bottles or other Leafs.

#4- The Leaf Can Text You

The Leaf can communicate with the owner's cell phone using an e-mail-based system that manages the charging system. It will notify you when the batteries are charged, at which point you can control the air-conditioning system so the cabin reaches a specified temperature before you get in the car. It will also notify you by text message if charging is interrupted, which alleviates the need to physically baby-sit the charging station or stare at an extension cord for hours on end.

#3- It Can Go 95 MPH

Not that we encourage speeding, but electric cars often have the rap of having little power.  Not the case with the Nissan Leaf. 

#2- The Nav System Displays Your Reacable Area In Real Time

The standard navigation system displays the range in graphic form, with a halo around the car's current location, which provides a visual estimate of how much farther you can go before recharging. The navigation system is in regular communication with Nissan's databases using satellite networks, and displays nearby charging stations on the screen.

#1- The Bottom Line?- $19,280

Starting at $25,280 (after a $7,500 federal rebate), the Leaf costs less than the average new car sold in America. In addition, some states offer extra incentives. For instance, California offers a $5,000 clean-vehicle rebate, and Colorado residents are eligible to receive an additional $6,000 tax credit, which brings the price tag down to $19,280. Even for $26,000, the Leaf is a lot of car. 

Lessees can cash in immediately with a government-subvented lease deal of $349 per month (in which case Nissan's financial subsidiary takes the refund).

As for the optional $2,200 charging station, the government currently offers a $2,000 tax credit toward installing a personal charging dock in your garage, which puts the cost at less than what you'd pay for an iPod Nano. Moreover, Nissan estimates that there will be 12,000 public charging stations in place across the country by this time next year. 

All These Perks Just For Buying A Car?

Nissan Offers Leaf Buyers Historic Benefits

The all electric Nissan Leaf wont be available until December, but those who preordered are finding that Nissan is treating them particularly well.  Tax credits, rebate checks, personalized home visits, government giveaways and even customer service calls from top corporate executives are part of the full Leaf experience.

"It's almost shocking how many subsidies are available with the Leaf," Jeremy P. Anwyl, chief executive of the auto research Web site Edmunds.com, told the New York Times. 

Justin McNaughton, a Nashville, TN lawyer, recently shared his Leaf purchase experience with the New York Times.  He has been promised pa $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 cash rebate from the state of Tennessee, and a $3,000 home-charging unit courtesy of the Energy Department.

When he had questions about the car, McNaughton received a personal phonecall from a senior manager in Nissan’s corporate planning department.  The call lasted roughly 40 minutes. 

“It just keeps getting better and better,” McNaughton told the Times.  "You kind of feel like you’re one of the chosen people.”

Some cities are even offering free parking and the use of express lanes on highways usually reserved for with multiple passengers to electric car drivers. 

Many states, including Oregon and California are also in the process of setting up multiple charging stations along highways.  Tennessee will provide free public charging stations on 425 miles of freeways that connect Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.

In terms of home charging, Nissan says A 240-volt home charging unit can give the vehicle a full charge in about eight hours.

Credits and subsidies vary in each state and market.  For more information on government subsidies visit Fueleconomy.gov.

When the Leaf hits Buffalo, West Herr will be out in front. Visit West Herr Nissan online or just stop in next time you're around Orchard Park. 

Go Green and Save Green

Government Site Dedicated To Drivers and Environment Alike

Everyone wants to save money.  With Fueleconomy.gov you can do save money and be eco-friendly all at once. 

"I check this site everyday, it's a great resource on how you can make your overall driving experience better for you and the environment," said Mark Zeisz, head of service for the West Herr Automotive Group. 

Not only can you track gas prices in any area but the site actually has a Frequently Asked Questions section about gas prices throughout recent history and trend prediction.  Take a look at one diagram (right) in particular concerning what money paid for gas actually pays for.

One other benefit is you can find potential tax credits.  The government gives out tax incentives on your purchase of a new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, lean-burn, alternative fuel, or electric vehicle.  Right now there are multiple credits including incentives for plug in hybrids such as the soon to be released Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF. 

Aside from tax credits, fueleconomy.gov offers all drivers tips on how they can save money right away, including something simple like altering their driving style.  Here's a sample:

Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

	Fuel Economy Benefit:	5-33%
	Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.14-$0.90/gallon

Master The Shift with Nissan

New Campaign Aims To Improve Consumer Health and Well Being

"After more than 100 years of automotive history, it’s time for something radically new."  A bold statement by Nissan, but the automaker is aiming high.  

To prepare for the launch of the Nissan LEAF, Nissan has launched their "Master The Shift" campaign aimed to improve consumers' general lives.  "Master The Shift" offers a series of health and general life tips from cyclist Lance Armstrong, marathon runner Ryan Hall, and yoga expert Tara Stiles.

"Shift the way you move. For Nissan, it means rethinking the ordinary, pushing the boundaries, exceeding expectations and anticipating the needs of an ever-changing planet," reads the campaign's mission statement.  

Visitors to Mastertheshift.com or Facebook.com/mastertheshift can watch Yoga routines with Stiles, get workout tips from Armstrong or stretching tips from Hall, plus much more.  Here is a sample video from Lance Armstrong offering strength and conditioning tips:

The campaign is meant to mirror the philosophies behind Nissan's creation of the LEAF, the first ever zero emissions car for mass production that will be launched later this year.  We've covered the LEAF extensively but for a quick refresher click here.  

"Like the Nissan LEAF™, these three athletes are breaking new ground and redefining the world around them," Nissan said.  

All visitors to the various sites can register to win a Nissan LEAF and other prizes including a Panasonic camera.  Visit either site to learn more on how you can Shift your life today:

facebook.com/mastertheshift

http://mastertheshift.com/

To learn more about zero emissions driving in Buffalo, be sure to visit West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park in person or online today.  

Nissan: Made In America

Nissan LEAF Batteries To Create Jobs and Progess in America

The Nissan LEAF is doing more than just bringing zero emissions driving, it's creating jobs in America too.  Last month Nissan broke ground on a new project that will bring LEAF battery production to their Smyrna, TN plant.  

Full production begins in 2012 and is expected create approxiametely 1,300 new jobs.A zero emissions charge station for the Nissan LEAF

At 1.3 million square feet at full capacity he battery plant will be one of the largest in North America.  In order to expedite LEAF production, the battery plant will be placed next to the actual car plant.  All together, the plants will be capable of producing 150,000 electric cars annually.

"Production of Nissan LEAF and lithium-ion batteries in Smyrna brings the United States closer to its goal of energy independence, creates green jobs and helps sustain American manufacturing," said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Nissan LEAF was recently unveiled to the public at a conference in Japan as we covered recently.  Check out a full video of Wall Street Journal's test drive of the LEAF here:

Approximately 13,000 U.S. consumers have placed a reservation for Nissan LEAF since reservations opened on April 20. The reservation process, which is open to the general public via NissanUsa.com, is the first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease Nissan LEAF.

Nissan LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in the United States, Japan and Europe in December, with increased availability beginning in spring 2011, and full market rollout in 2012.

When the LEAF hits Buffalo, West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park will be THE spot.  We can't wait to be the central spot for zero emissions driving in Western New York. 

Nissan LEAF: The "New Car" Experience

Nissan Officially Debuts LEAF Zero Emissions Car

Zero emissions is getting closer.  Nissan unveiled the LEAF last week to media members and shareholders at their Oppama test track in Yokohama, Japan.  The LEAF is on display until June 19th wth new details being revealed by the day.  Revisit our original post on the LEAF here.

A breakdown of the sound alert system on the Nissan LEAFThe most noteworthy new feature so far is the revolutionary "Approaching Sound For Pedestrians" system.  Essentially a sound is emitted for pedestrians to hear when the car is approaching.  The sound will adjust based on the vehicle's speed.  There is also a back up sound and a sound that indicates when the car is on and ready for move.  The reason for this is that the car is otherwise quiet.

"Having tested a few electric cars ourselves, drivers are sure to appreciate the start-up sound that lets them know their car is ready to go," Autoguide.com said of the start up sound feature.  Nissan promises the sound will not distract the driver, ensuring safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. 

The sounds will come from a speaker in the engine compartment. The driver will have the option to turn the sound off temporarily, but it will automatically be set to "on" each time the vehicle starts up.  Nissan says the system is designed to shut off automatically at speeds beyond 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and come back on at speeds of 25 km/h (15.5 mph)

Nissan LEAF will be on sale in Japan, the United States, Portugal and the Netherlands starting in December and in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting February 2011. Nissan plans to begin mass marketing Nissan LEAF in 2012.

West Herr is beyond excited for the first zero emissions car to be in Buffalo.  West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park will be ready for the official LEAF launch. Visit us for more information today and stay tuned to Westherr.com for more information. 

First Ever Zero Emissions Car In Buffalo

Buffalo Nissan Dealer Going Green

Nissan recently announced the purchase details for the LEAF, the world's first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market.  West Herr Nissan is already excited to bring zero-emission driving to the Buffalo area. 

"We want everyone to feel good about having a car that is affordable, fun to drive and good for the environment," said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas.

The LEAF offers a sleek and practical design. The battery is located under the seats for the ultimate safety in case of a collision.  The charging station resembles a traditional gas tank but requires no liquids and emits no fumes.

Home charging devices will be available and plans are in place to construct charging infrastructure across the country, with San Francisco being one of the first cities on board.  Learn more about the charging process with this video from Nissan. 

The LEAF will have a range of 100 miles per charge under average, everyday driving conditions.   Nissan announced that AeroVironment will supply and install home charging stations for the LEAF, creating a one-stop shop for the Nissan LEAF and its charging equipment.

There will be a special reservation procedure needed for purchase.  Right now, customers can pre-register online for breaking news related to the LEAF.  So far more than 50,000 people have registered. 

In April, Nissan will announce pricing details and start taking refundable $100 reservations.  In August they will start taking firm orders for delivery, with expected delivery dates in December. Full mass production begins in 2012.  

The LEAF holds up to 5 passengers and promises 100% torque at 0 RPMs, rare for such a car.  In terms of performance, it will handle like a V6 car and has a top speed of up to 90 mph.

For travelers, the LEAF features a standard 12V automotive power outlet for laptops or other devices.  Nissan plans to use a a cellular-type network for navigation purposes.

With the LEAF still on the Horizon, West Herr Nissan is offering great deals on our current stock to the Buffalo area.  The 2010 Rogue SL is now available at our Orchard Park location with special Nissan rebates and low APR finance rates. 

The Rogue recently won the 2010 Consumers Digest Automotive Best Buy award.