February 2, 2010—Orlando, FL – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty announced new partnerships that are promoting the development of an electric vehicle charging network in Central Florida.

The City of Orlando, Orange County Government, Progress Energy, and OUC-The Reliable One have formed a coalition known as Get Ready Central Florida that is working to prepare Central Florida for the early release of highway-ready, plug-in electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure to sustain them. Get Ready Central Florida through the City of Orlando’s partnership with Nissan is working to bring the Nissan LEAF, the industry’s first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market.

“This community partnership will propel Central Florida’s efforts to advance zero-emission mobility. By bringing together these organizations we can better coordinate policies and help streamline the deployment of an electric vehicle infrastructure,” said Mayor Dyer.

Following today’s announcement Mayors Crotty and Dyer were among the first to test drive the Nissan LEAF. After getting a firsthand look, Mayor Crotty commented, “Orange County is excited to be leading the “charge” to bring electric transportation to this region and is thrilled to be the first Get Ready County in the state to join this national electric transportation initiative.”

Get Ready Central Florida will work to successfully integrate electric vehicles in the Central Florida community through these five key objectives:

• FACILITATE stakeholder working groups to identify opportunities and explore/resolve issues and barriers associated with electrified transportation.
   
• EDUCATE the community and promote networking opportunities in order to enhance the viability of plug-in electric vehicles.
   
• ESTABLISH sound infrastructure to deliver a network of charging stations that meet the needs of vehicle owners without jeopardizing the stability of the power grid.
   
• DEVELOP relationships with manufacturers of vehicles and charging components to encourage their participation in the Central Florida market.
   
• EXPLORE opportunities to enhance success through investments in research, development and demonstration projects.

“We believe that electric vehicles will help our customers save money and protect the environment. That’s why we are committed to ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for when these vehicles start rolling off the lots,” said Rob Caldwell, vice president of Efficiency and Innovative Technology for Progress Energy. “We already have one of the largest utility electric vehicle programs and are excited to continue our engagement with Nissan and launch Project Get Ready with our Central Florida partners.”

“OUC is dedicated to embracing fuel efficient technology like the Nissan LEAF and to helping develop the infrastructure necessary to support it,” said Byron Knibbs, OUC Vice President of Sustainable Services at OUC, which plans to add 10 LEAFs to its fleet this year. “In fact, we recently installed two plug-in charging stations – one solar powered – at our downtown administration and customer service center, Reliable Plaza.”

Nissan, along with alliance partner Renault, is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Nissan LEAF, a five-passenger all-electric car, will be available for private and fleet customers. It is being launched in the U.S., Japan and Europe in December 2010.

“The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to becoming a global leader in zero emissions,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas. “Nissan and the City of Orlando share the vision that zero-emissions mobility is the ultimate solution for addressing questions of climate change and energy independence. We are looking forward to bringing the Nissan LEAF, the only mass-marketed, all-electric, zero-emission car to Orlando.”

Nissan has spearheaded a holistic approach to zero-emission mobility by working with states, municipalities, utility companies and other partners, to prepare markets and infrastructure. Nissan has formed more than a dozen partnerships in the United States, in areas including State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, San Diego and San Francisco in California, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Washington D.C., Seattle, Raleigh, N.C., and with Houston-based Reliant Energy.