When Nissan launches the Leaf next fall, the new zero emission electric car will marketed directly to Chattanooga motorists.  Jim Frierson with UTC's Advanced Transportation Technology Institute says "it's real world, the vehicles are going to be out there on these streets."

To jump start the infrastructure needed to energize these vehicles, the federal government hired ECOtality to install nearly 13,000 charging stations.  Jonathan Reed, President of ECOtality, says that "is by far the biggest electric vehicle initiative in the history of the world."

Several hundred charging systems will be located in Chattanooga, including home units for LEAF owners to electrify batteries overnight.  ECOtality will install the home units for free, which will send back data about the effectiveness of the battery.  "Topography does things to batteries and you have to think about changes to elevation. Chattanooga is a great place for doing that real world testing," says Frierson.

Fast charge devices will be located strategically around the city, to provide a meaningful boost in about 15-minutes.  Reed says "they'll be at placed where you work and play. They'll be in front of starbucks and mcdonalds where you would typically spend 10 to 15 minutes. Walgreens and Walmart and retailers are going to be a part of the fabric of rich charging infrastructure."

EBP will be tasked with providing power to charging stations.  "Are we willing, you bet we're willing. And we held our hand up last winter given the opportunity to make the case to nissan, knowing they were interested in pursuing something like this, we invited Nissans top EV guy here," says Friarson.

Work begins in two-weeks to start mapping out the most feasible locations for public charging stations.