Amsterdam and Renault-Nissan Partner on EVs; Targeting Sales of 1,000 EVs by End of 2011
22 September 2010
The City of Amsterdam (the Netherlands) has signed a Definitive Agreement with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles. Among the specific targets agreed by both parties is a determination to register at least 1,000 EV sales by the end of 2011.
As a first step to reaching that target, Nissan will deliver 100 Nissan LEAFs to fleet customers starting in February 2011. In June 2011, deliveries will begin to individual customers. Deliveries of the Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Express Z.E electric vehicles from Renault will start shortly thereafter.
Amsterdam has introduced several incentives in order to stimulate EV demand, including free electricity at public charging posts until March 2012, as well as free parking at such posts.
Since March 2009, businesses are also eligible for a subsidy from the city when purchasing an EV. In addition, EV buyers benefit from national incentives, including zero registration tax and zero road tax. For businesses, that means Nissan LEAF is available for less than €30,000 (US$40,000) including the battery.
Almost 100 charging points have been installed in public areas since November 2009. Each point has at least one regular user. To meet growing demand for electric charging points, Amsterdam plans to install up to 2,000 additional charging points in the streets, car parks and Park and Ride sites. The extra charging points will be financed by the Air Quality Fund, with a substantial contribution from the government.
Starting in 2011, Amsterdam will install a Quick Charger in the city which is capable of up to 50 kW and which can recharge a battery to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes. The City will also encourage the installation of private charging posts at companies.
As well as providing a supply of advanced EVs for purchase or lease and managing the Netherlands’ EV Pilot Program, the Renault-Nissan Alliance will establish a sales and service network for the cars in the Amsterdam area. The Alliance will also join forces with Amsterdam to run an Electric Mobility Education Program designed to promote the positive benefits of zero-emission travel.
It is rare to see a city do this much for one model from one car maker. They give you free parking and free electricity, now that is putting your money where your mouth is. In the U.S. some people would protest the use of their tax dollars for anything like this.
Posted by: SJC | 22 September 2010 at 11:50 AM
"Since March 2009, businesses are also eligible for a subsidy from the city when purchasing an EV. In addition, EV buyers benefit from national incentives, including zero registration tax and zero road tax. For businesses, that means Nissan LEAF is available for less than €30,000 (US$40,000) including the battery."
This all helps. The more EVs the better. But the incentives should remain for a decade or more. Or until the price of new EVs comes down to fully compete with ICEs. Municipal free electric charging should also be long term. Each little perq helps sell the whole concept.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 22 September 2010 at 11:56 AM
The test for tax dollars is it in the public interest, do most people benefit from it? With cleaner air and less imported oil, everyone benefits from it. We are just too broke to do it, the constant debt and war has left us few options. That may have been the plan all along.
Posted by: SJC | 22 September 2010 at 02:07 PM