Nissan North America has begun installing 30 solar-powered charging stations at its headquarters in Franklin and its Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, TN.
The advanced solar chargers, which will be operational for use by Nissan employees and visitors by July 1, are designed to charge the Nissan LEAF.
The Nissan LEAF debuted globally in December 2010, with Tennessee as a key launch market. Nissan soon will build the Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it at its Smyrna manufacturing complex.
Nissan says that construction of the battery plant in Smyrna is 75-percent complete with an expected operational date of late next year.
The 30 chargers at the two Tennessee facilities mark the latest in a long line of dedicated investments totaling $3.5 billion over the course of Nissan’s statewide, 30-year presence.
“Tennessee is Nissan’s home in the Americas region. These solar-assisted charging stations demonstrate our dedication to a zero-emissions society, and our dedication to bringing innovation to our home in Tennessee,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas.