Nissan LEAF EV looking hot with planned charging station network

Electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF offer a compelling proposition for drivers because they eliminate the use of gasoline completely. There’s just one problem. When most drivers hear about an electric vehicle (EV) one of their first questions is “what’s the range?” Understandably, they don’t want to be stranded between two points without any means of locomotion. Initiatives focused on building out EV charging station networks in the US may be the solution.

Coulomb Technologies is working on one of those initiatives, ChargePoint America, which aims to build 4,600 EV charging stations funded by $37 million in grants. Those stations are targeted to parts of the United States and over half of them will go in public places, similar in accessibility to gas stations. The other portion will go into residential homes. So what’s the big deal?

A ubiquitous EV charging network similar in scope to the existing gas pump network could be a game changer. Essentially it will reduce the range anxiety most drivers voice when they think about EVs and act as a catalyst for buyers teetering on the edge of buying one. The Nissan LEAF has a range of about 100 miles per charge and stopping at a recharge station could become similar to our current habit of stopping at gas stations.

There are some differences though, because charging a battery takes longer than refilling a gas tank. EV charging stations that are a part of ChargePoint America would employ 220 volt service and on average would replenish 25 miles of travel per hour of charging, according to CNET. A full charge would take about 4 hours.

That’s still a downer for most drivers who are used to refueling for 5 minutes at the pump before continuing on their way. Still, charging at one of these stations for 4 hours is a far cry from having no fueling resource available at all. It likely won’t quell range anxiety but it certainly makes EVs like the Nissan LEAF look a bit more attractive.