"DRIVETHEARC" EV Fast Charging Corridor Announces Grand Opening In Northern California

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DRIVETHEARC, a corridor of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations spanning from Monterey to Lake Tahoe, today announced the completion of the chargers' deployment and its official grand opening on the one year anniversary of the project's official launch. A collaborative effort between the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) (Japan's largest public R&D management organization), and the State of California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, in partnership with Nissan Motor Co., Nissan North America, Kanematsu and EVgo, DRIVETHEARC encourages longer and more frequent trips with EVs by increasing the ease of long distance travel along one of California's most frequented travel routes. As an integrated, international cooperation, NEDO is funding the DRIVETHEARC corridor as part of its mission to improve energy conservation and promote new energy technologies, as well as to help facilitate government relations and research and information exchange between the U.S. and Japan.

DRIVETHEARC has also announced the start of a real-time SOC data link service with NissanConnect via the DRIVETHEARC smartphone app*. The app will provide more accurate range advice, and users will be able to select a recommended station based on the cruising range and charger availability data. By the end of 2018, the app will include trip planning and voice recognition features. The app was created in partnership with Kanematsu, a global trading house with expertise in electronics and information technology. Driving statistics will allow Nissan, Kanematsu, EVgo and NEDO to analyze and measure charger use patterns to support future EV charging projects globally.

"At Nissan, our goal is to increase widespread EV use so that we can benefit the environment on a global basis; the opening of the DRIVETHEARC corridor represents a significant milestone for the further adoption of EVs," said Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Chief Sustainability Officer of Nissan Motor Co. "A robust public EV charging network is a key factor for stimulating further EV utilization and eventual EV market expansion. We are delighted to be able to provide Northern California with a fast charging network that covers major points of interest and recreation for drivers."

As the global leader in EV sales, Nissan partnered with DRIVETHEARC as part of its 'Infrastructure for All' strategy. Nissan has played a leading role in growing the number of EV fast charging stations in the U.S., allowing it to provide Nissan LEAF drivers with access to the largest metro area network of fast charging stations in the country. DRIVETHEARC enhances the existing EV infrastructure Nissan has supported as part of its 'No Charge to Charge' promotion by connecting the metropolitan areas of Monterey, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

As the project's local partner, EVgo managed the installation of the DRIVETHEARC infrastructure with the deployment of 55 EV fast charging stations at 25 convenient locations. Fast charging stations were installed at key high-traffic retail partners along the route to create a true inter-city charging network. EVgo now operates close to 1,000 fast chargers in over 600 locations nationwide, covering metropolitan areas where 90 percent of new electric cars are sold.

"After months of hard work, we are thrilled to announce the grand opening of DRIVETHEARC," said Terry O'Day, Vice President, Product Strategy and Market Development at EVgo. "The corridor provides drivers with the charging infrastructure needed to go from surf to ski in Northern California. We hope the opening of DRIVETHEARC will pave the way for future EV integration in the state and continue to encourage EV drivers to travel farther distances, without the stress of finding somewhere to charge."

For more information about the DRIVETHEARC project and app, please visit: www.drivethearc.com

* The service will be available to limited LEAF users due to the experimental nature of the project.

About NEDO
NEDO is Japan's largest public R&D management organization. It was established as a semi-governmental organization in 1980 to promote the development and introduction of new energy technologies. Since its establishment, NEDO has undertaken technology development and conducted demonstration projects with the mission of addressing energy and global environmental problems, and enhancing industrial technology.
http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third member of the Alliance ? a grouping with combined annual sales of almost 10 million units a year.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Kanematsu Corporation
Kanematsu Corporation, a major Japanese trading company having 128 years of history, is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. By multiplying our business networks in Japan and overseas with our vast experience in general trading, information-gathering, market cultivation, business incubation and project-forming, risk management and logistics, Kanematsu is committed to creating new businesses as a Value Creator.

Kanematsu supplies varied products and services in a wide range of businesses through its four divisions: Electronics & Devices, Foods & Grain, Steel, Materials & Plant and Motor Vehicles & Aerospace. For more information on Kanematsu's businesses and services, visit our website at http://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/

About EVgo
EVgo leads America's electric vehicle revolution. Our mission: Build the nation's largest EV charging network while improving the planet and boosting the economy. We put the right chargers in the right places. Together we unite the EV movement for all, making it unstoppable. EVgo provides access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the EVgo network, visit www.evgo.com. Connect with EVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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SOURCE EVgo