Nissan to Test Drive Electric Cars in Arizona

In preparation of a 2010 U.S. launch for its zero-emissions electric vehicles, Nissan has arranged a pilot program offering electric cars to both public and private fleets in Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city.

Nissan is working with Scottsdale-based ECOtality, which produces electric vehicle chargers that can recharge a vehicle in about 15 minutes. ECOtality will help ensure that there are enough charging stations throughout Tuscon to facilitate its electric fleet.

“This partnership represents a major step toward making zero-emissions a reality in the Tucson Metro Area,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. “The Tucson area long has been a leader in advanced technology and sustainability planning. We are looking forward to working with our partners in fostering the development and acceptance of electric vehicles as a smart, environmentally sound choice.”

The rise of electric vehicles also brings a heightened focus to their advanced batteries, and the processes which are needed to recycle them. Photo: blogs.edmunds.com

Nissan has been somewhat quiet about its new electric car since announcing the concept last year. While not even a name has been officially released, the company has committed to a launch date of July 17, 2010 and that it will be able to travel 100 miles purely on electricity.

Driving Without Gas

One of the main features touted of electric cars is that they don’t require gasoline to power the engine. The distance electric cars can travel between recharges is less than what can be traveled between fuel fill-ups, so electric cars are often relegated to city driving for the time being.

Two proposed solutions to allow for longer-distance driving with electric cars are nationwide charging stations and battery swapping stations. Recently, Mercedes came out in opposition of battery swapping because its research has found that the process could lead to electrocution or fires.

The batteries in question can be anything from lead-acid to lithium ion, meaning they are unsafe for disposal in landfills once a charge can no longer be kept. Car batteries are currently the most recycled consumer product in the U.S. based on percent recycled.