Nissan Electric Car Debuts in San Diego

Monday, 23 March 2009
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6200

Nissan has partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric to sell its all-new electric cars to fleet operators in San Diego beginning next year. Local community leaders test drove a prototype of the zero emission "next generation green vehicle" today around a course set up on the Broadway Pier.

"It has great pick-up," said Stephen P. Cushman, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners and retired from 26 years in the automotive business. "With our increasing desire to be an environmental leader in the region, replacing some of the Port's older model, gas-powered fleet cars with electric vehicles is a very logical next step," he said.

Last year, the Port added 13 hybrid vehicles to its passenger fleet. By doing that, the Port has saved 550 gallons of fuel. The Port is also adding compressed natural gas vehicles to its Harbor Police fleet. The five-passenger Nissan all electric vehicle, yet to be named, is expected to go 100 miles on a four-hour charge of its lithium batteries. San Diego was selected to be among the first markets to be offered this new vehicle because the region has a large number of electric-vehicle enthusiasts, local governments have expressed interest in the car and San Diego Gas & Electric is installing charging stations.

"The increased use of zero-emission electric vehicles in San Diego will help achieve our nation's goals of energy independence and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions, and foster new jobs and opportunities in the region, " said Debra L. Reed, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Gas & Electric. "The support and involvement of local government and private fleet operators will be crucial to our success in demonstrating San Diego's continued leadership role in clean technology," she said.

Watch video of the Nissan Vehicle in action.