Mike Anderson explains the Efacec fast charging system demonstrated with a Nissan Leaf automobile as the Tennessee Alternative Fueled Vehicle Roadshow visits Chattanooga at the Doubletree Hotel on Thursday.The first Tennessee-made Nissan Leafs are hitting dealerships, and changes in price, recharging, and range are expected to boost the all-electric’s sales in 2013 over last year, proponents say.
“I do anticipate sales to pick up,” said Joel Fort, Mountain View Nissan’s Leaf sales leader, adding that the dealership received its first 2013 all-electric vehicle about three weeks ago.
Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., facilities earlier this year started producing the Leaf in place of Japan. The company’s Decherd, Tenn., factory is making the electric motor.
The 2013 Leaf, the Chevrolet Volt and propane and natural gas-fueled vehicles rolled into the city Thursday as part of a “road show” supported by the industry and green groups.
Drawing a lot of attention was a new fast charger by Efacec, which can renew an electric car’s batteries in 20 to 30 minutes.