2008 LA Auto Show: Oregon Joins Nissan to Advance Zero-Emission Mobility

2008 LA Auto Show: Oregon Joins Nissan to Advance Zero-Emission Mobility

The Renault-Nissan Alliance announced today that Nissan and Oregon are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle charging network. 

Portland General Electric also is a participant in the partnership and is working toward the development of an easily accessible and reliable network of charging stations throughout the state.

The Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles. Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later.

Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA, announced the Oregon agreement during an address at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"This partnership represents a major step toward reliable zero-emission mobility in the state of Oregon," Ghosn said. "Together, we are creating conditions that will encourage consumers to consider an electric vehicle as an attractive choice that is also good for the environment."

The partnership supports Oregon Gov. Theodore Kulongoski's commitment to sustainability, which includes the effort to lead the nation in establishing the infrastructure necessary for a greener transportation system.

As part of the agreement, Nissan has committed to make available a supply of ZEVs to Oregon and work with the state to develop plans to promote the EV Charging Network.

The state, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, has committed to promote the deployment, operation and maintenance of the EV Charging Network by developing specifications for charging stations and seeking agreements with suppliers that may be used by entities such as local governments and utility companies, Ghosn said.

Over the past several months, PGE has installed six charging stations--with the capability to charge several dozen vehicles--across the Portland and Salem areas, with more on the way.

The Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Japan and with French electric utility company EDF.

Because the United States is so large, the Alliance is entering partnerships there on a state-by-state basis. Prior to today's announcement, the Alliance had partnered with Tennessee. 

Scott Doggett, Contributor

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.