A little sunlight on the Nissan DOE loan: it's for EVs
Automotive News has answered the question why Nissan applied for that DOE loan program: electric cars and advanced batteries, despite the lack of plans for development in the mid-term. Nissan hasn't confirmed the amount of money it wants to borrow even though the application was sent in in December. It wasn't unveiled until this week. Nissan said that this money would be used to upgrade its Smyrna, Tenn., assembly plant and build a new facility for battery production. Since the Tennessee plant was built in 1983, it is eligible for the DOE's loans - which are meant to upgrade facilities more than 20 years old.
[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 6:45PM (2/11/2009)
I saw the Cube at the Phili car show last weekend. It's a bit goofy looking, but no so much so that I wouldn't drive it if it were the only EV on the market.
Reply
paulwesterberg 7:25PM (2/11/2009)
As a mule it's fine, but the horrible aerodynamics would impair EV range.
GoodCheer 9:22AM (2/12/2009)
"As a mule it's fine, but the horrible aerodynamics would impair EV range."
This is quite true, but if I plan to do a lot of high-speed driving on any given trip, I can do it in my Civic (or rent or borrow a car if I no longer have my Civic). I only cover more than about 10 miles on the highway about once every two weeks. Yes, I know an anomalous in this respect.