Renault-Nissan has worked with British utility company EDF to prepare British drivers for an all-electric vehicle revolution. The automotive alliance is now focused on developing the technology needed to realize this revolution, specifically with its recent memo of understanding with Elektromotive. Elektromotive and Renault-Nissan will work together on an education program for European consumers still skeptical about the potential for electric vehicles. Renault-Nissan and Elektromotive will play around with discounted pricing to encourage commercial consumers to buy their products. In exchange for the increased public profile created by its partnerships with Renault and Nissan, Elektromotive will lease vehicles from both companies for testing purposes.
Elektromotive is a Brighton-based producer of EV recharging stations that has been in business since 2003. The company spent three years testing and developing its Elektrobay technology before installing the first working model in Westminster in 2006. Elektromotive has installed more than 40 Elektrobays in London over the past three years with an additional 40 units spread throughout Great Britain. Renault-Nissan was likely enamored with Elektromotive’s expansion into Sweden, Germany and other European countries, a sign that Elektrobay is ready to roll continent wide.
The Elektrobay was designed to account for the logistical issues associated with public charging. Active stations are used in parking ramps and public lots, ensuring that drivers can charge their vehicles without negotiating around stationary objects. Each station is built with a waterproof sliding gate protecting the outlet to avoid safety issues during rain showers and snowstorms. Elektromotive is planning a three-phase charging system for future Elektrobays that will be available in summer 2009.
The connective thread between Elektromotive and the Renault-Nissan alliance is EDF. Elektromotive worked with EDF in 2007 to install Power Line Communication units that would allow dialogue between the utility grid and the vehicle. This equipment is versatile enough to track billing for each driver, understand unique power needs for each vehicle and disengage charging equipment in case of safety issues. Elektromotive has proven that its Elektrobay technology can be used without distinguishing between EV models, a necessity for a public charging system. Renault-Nissan, Elektromotive and EDF will need to deal with local political and community leaders next to engage the public on the issue of green transportation.
