Based on the agreement, both the parties will start the market feasibility study of EVs in Wuhan beginning in 2011 with 25 Nissan electric vehicles. The Wuhan Government will build 250 EV chargers to support vehicle operations in selected areas.
Additionally, two quick chargers also will be installed in Wuhan. Further, Nissan and the government will collaborate on education and awareness programs.
Nisan Leaf will be the first vehicle to be launched under this agreement. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the medium-size hatchback seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles).
Wuhan is one of 13 pilot cities with alternative energy vehicle programs supported by the Chinese Government. The two parties signed the MoU to promote the development of zero-emission mobility in China in April 2009.
Ruan Chengfa, mayor of Wuhan City, said: “Wuhan is working towards becoming an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly city. Introducing electric vehicles (EVs) in the city is an important part of the process to make this happen. The agreement signed with Nissan is one significant step forward to realizing these goals.”
Hiroto Saikawa, executive vice president of Nissan Motor, said: “The Alliance believes that increased use of EVs will significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, air pollutants and use of petroleum fuel.”
