Nissan gives Lincoln first EV charging station after Top Gear segment

August 5, 2011May 21, 2012 Omar Rana electric-cars, electric-vehicles, LEAF, Nissan, Nissan LEAF, Nissan LEAF EV, Top Gear

Top Gear is one of the most influential names in the automobile industry, more specifically the journalism side. And that can be hugely exhibited with Nissan’s latest bit of news.

Those who have watched the latest season up to date may remember when Jeremy Clarkson and James May set out to test the Nissan LEAF and the Peugeot iOn. During their road test, they ran into a little bump in the road, one that truly exemplifies the current problem with EVs.

While driving through the neighborhood of Lincoln in Lincolnshire, UK, both Clarkson and May began running out of power in their battery packs and couldn’t find any proper means to recharge.

Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.

Nissan quickly responded as they’ve just announced that they’ll be installing a charging point in Lincoln, dedicated to the two hosts. The charging point will have two charging ports so that Jeremy Clarkson and James May can recharge at the same time should they reattempt the journey in the future.

“The Top Gear program highlighted the fact that Lincoln does not currently provide for electric cars and we’re really pleased that Nissan is now funding a charging point.,” said Councilor Fay Smith of the City of Lincoln Council. “We’re committed to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, but know that we can’t do it alone, so it’s great that private businesses like Nissan are getting behind this and putting in the infrastructure.”

The charging point is planned to be erected sometime before the end of August and will be the first plug-in station for the city. Charging will be free of charge to any electric car owners.

Click here for our review on the Nissan Leaf.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Nissan LEAF comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium-ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 90 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Prices for the 2012 Nissan LEAF will start at $35,200.