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Q: Do you have any information on home solar charging systems?
A: Yes, a residential solar system can help control electricity costs while further reducing carbon emissions. SunPower and Nissan recently announced an earth- and wallet-friendly partnership - read more about it
here.
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Q: How much will my electric bill go up by recharging my Nissan LEAF™ at home?
A: This will vary by vehicle usage and your electric rate. We strongly recommend that you contact your electricity provider to discuss special rates or incentives that may be available prior to getting an in-home assessment for your charging dock.
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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 208-240V 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.
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Q: Is the home charging station weatherproof?
A: Aerovironment, Nissan's preferred home charging provider, supplies a weatherproof station.
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Q: When plugging the car in, is 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. Please contact your local electric company for exact off peak times.
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Q: What is the estimated price of the home-installed charging station components? Are they separate from the cost of the car?
A: The average estimated cost of a standard home charging dock installation in a typical new home is approximately $2,000 plus tax and license fees. Federal tax credits may offset a portion of the costs.
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Q: Is there a timer that allows you to set what time the charging starts and stops?
A: Yes – you are 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.
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Q: Is the charger built into the vehicle?
A: Yes. To charge, you simply need to plug in to an appropriate charging dock which supplies power safely to the onboard charger.
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Q: What is the estimated time for full charging with 110v, 220v and quick-charge charge stations?
A: Starting from a depleted battery, about 20 hours at 110-120V (depending on amperage), approximately 7 hours at 208-240V (depending on amperage) and about 30 minutes at 480V (quick-charging station).
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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.
Click here for more information.
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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.
Click here to learn more information.
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Q: Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty?
A: Yes
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Q: Does the navigation system list charging station locations?
A: The Nissan LEAF™ comes equipped with CARWINGS®. This in-car telematics system will show you battery power and status, charging stations, and more. You can also download the
ChargePoint app that shows nationwide charging stations.
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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: The car is equipped with a telematics system called CARWINGS® which will help you locate charging stations before this happens. Additionally, AAA has recently announced an EV-charging pilot program
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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. Nissan recommends using a home charging dock which uses a 208-240V dedicated line in your home for charging your vehicle.
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Q: What do I do if I want to go farther than 100 miles in one trip?
A: The Nissan LEAF™’s CARWINGS® system will be able to show you charging locations along your route.
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Q: How many charging cycles can the energy storage device survive?
A: Like all lithium ion batteries, the Nissan LEAF™ battery will
experience gradual capacity loss over time. We expect the battery to last over 10 years, however, there may be a gradual loss of capacity of 30% or more depending on your driving patterns, and the effect on your battery. The battery can be used afterward for storage applications.
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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 208-240V, 40A circuit.
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Q: I live in an apartment. How would I go about charging the car?
A: Talk to your apartment complex owner and other residents about charging stations. You can also use public infrastructure as it becomes available.
Click here for more information.
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Q: What happens if you run out of electricity on the road?
A: If you should need it, Nissan's roadside assistance service is available as part of your warranty coverage. However, the CARWINGS® telematics system in the Nissan LEAF™ will constantly update to show both vehicle and battery status, as well as charging locations, to help avoid such a situation.
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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. This process can be waived by contacting the Nissan EV Call Center at 1-877-NO GAS EV.
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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 $0.10/kWh, a full charge will cost about $2.40. It could be even less, if your area has time-of-use rates and you charge at off-peak hours.
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Q: How much will it cost to charge Nissan LEAF™ at a public charging station?
A: If there are any fees associated with public chargers, they'll vary by location and network, and usage will depend on your battery status at the time. Check out the
ChargePoint map for nationwide charger information.
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Q: Is there any initiative to develop non-home charging options?
A: Yes – Nissan is working with government officials and private corporations to develop 13,000 charging locations by the end of 2012. Check out the
ChargePoint map for nationwide charger location information.
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Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: Most people will charge their Nissan LEAF™ overnight at home, similar to a cell phone. A full charge will take approximately 7 hours on a 208-240V home charging station. In select markets, 480V quick-charging systems are now available and provide an 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
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Q: Are there options on where to charge my vehicle?
A: Absolutely. You’ll be able to charge at home, possibly at work and at stations along your route. Check out the
ChargePoint map for nationwide charger location information.
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Q: Is there a standard power plug for home charging (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 208-240 volt 40 amp circuit to supply power to the vehicle.
Click here for more information.
