NASHVILLE, TN -- ECOtality Inc. announced that $2,500 rebates are still available for the first 1,000 EV Project participants in Tennessee who purchase a Nissan Leaf SL model with DC fast-charge capabilities. 

The state of Tennessee announced in September 2010 that $2.5 million had been budgeted for the rebates. They are awarded at the point of sale and credited against the purchase price. The state rebate complements a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the electric vehicle purchase.

In August 2009, ECOtality was awarded a $99.8 million grant from the Department of Energy to embark on the EV Project – the largest deployment of electric vehicles and charge infrastructure in history.

The EV Project is deploying commercial charging stations in Tennessee in the major metropolitan areas of Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga and corresponding transportation corridors. Data gathered from the EV Project will be used to understand the charging behavior of EV drivers and how best to deploy charging infrastructure across the country.

In addition to purchasing a Nissan Leaf SL model with DC fast-charge capabilities, rebate recipients must live in Tennessee and apply for the EV Project online. Applicants must own their own home, intend on residing there for a minimum of two years and provide a valid state of Tennessee zip code. Applicants also must be willing to share their charging data as a part of the EV Project. All EV Project participants will receive a Blink wall-mount charger free of cost, as well as a free or substantially subsidized installation.

“We’re working hard to create a business-friendly environment in which companies like Nissan can grow and create jobs,” said Molly Cripps, Energy Division director of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Offering the rebates for EV participants is one way we can help support an existing Tennessee business and encourage future economic growth.”

“Nissan is proud that Tennessee will serve as the U.S. production base for the Nissan Leaf, the first all-electric, zero-emission car for the mass market,” said Tracy Woodard, director of government affairs for Nissan North America. 

Nissan Leaf customers can enroll in the project before they’ve ordered their Leaf by following these steps:

• Log onto the Nissan Leaf website here
• Complete the reservation process
• Choose the option for a free home charger
• Complete the qualification questionnaire
• A certified contractor will contact you to complete a home site assessment
• Accept the terms and conditions for enrollment in the EV Project
• Order the vehicle including the DC fast-charge port. The dealership will complete the paperwork for the rebate and take $2,500 off the price of the vehicle
• Receive the free Blink residential home charger prior to vehicle delivery.

Members who are already enrolled in the EV Project and have taken ownership of their Nissan Leaf are still eligible to apply for the rebate retroactively. These EV Project members should contact their Nissan dealer.