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ECOtality & eTec to Join LEAF Unveiling in San Diego


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2011 Nissan Leaf EV

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SAN DIEGO--The EV Project will take an important step forward today as the zero-emission Nissan LEAF makes its North American debut in San Diego, California.

ECOtality, Inc., a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, is the lead grantee for The EV Project, having received an award of nearly $100 million in stimulus dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy for the largest electric vehicle infrastructure project ever undertaken in this country. San Diego is one of 11 cities in five states (California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee) where The EV Project will pilot a robust public charging system.

Today, Don Karner, President of eTec – a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOtality – will join representatives of San Diego Gas & Electric, the City of San Diego, and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), at a news conference that will give the public a first glimpse of the vehicle itself, as well as insight into how the charge infrastructure will be deployed.

“Our goal is to make charging a seamless part of the electric vehicle consumer experience,” said Mr. Karner. “As an EV owner, you will certainly charge at home, but you will also be able to fast-charge when you pick up groceries or stop for a cup of coffee.”

By 2011, there will be about 1,000 EV drivers in each test market. Mr. Karner anticipates that in the San Diego area there will ultimately be roughly 1,400 public chargers to allow drivers to extend their range. The LEAF will travel about 100 miles before there is a need to recharge.

Mr. Karner added, “We believe electric vehicles are an important part of the work we need to do to address climate change. A broad infrastructure that supports EVs is key to their long-term acceptance. We applaud President Obama’s leadership in this arena, and are privileged to work with our project partners to meet this significant challenge.”

Details for the news conference are as follows:

Date:       Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m. PT
Location: San Diego Gas & Electric
8330 Century Park Court
San Diego, CA 92123
Media RSVP: Allison Zaragoza
Sempra Energy
(619) 696-2139

For more information about The EV Project, please visit http://www.theevproject.com/.

About ECOtality, Inc.

ECOtality, Inc. (OTCBB:ETLY), headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.

SEE ALSO: EV-MOTORING.COM