The University of Arizona christened a new electric-vehicle charging station Monday to support its latest fleet vehicle, an all-electric Nissan Leaf set to arrive soon.
The charging station, donated by California-based AeroVironment Inc., was recently installed at the UA's motor pool south of the main campus.
The new Leaf is the latest step in the UA's strategy to use more alternative-fuel cars. The university has about 1,200 vehicles overall in its fleet, said Chris Kopach, director of UA facilities management.
The UA's new, $33,000 Leaf -- expected to be delivered in about two weeks -- will join the motor pool's fleet of about 100 cars, vans and trucks rented to UA faculty and staff members and students for official trips and events, Kopach said.
The Leaf, which has an upper range of 100 miles before it needs a recharge, will be available for day trips, Kopach said. The 220-volt AC charger installed at the UA can fully charge a Leaf in two to eight hours, depending on battery condition.
In the past few years, the university has worked with the Pima Association of Governments' Clean Cities program to reduce the UA fleet's dependence on foreign oil, through the use of alternative fuels such as E85 ethanol and biodiesel. The UA fleet also has included Toyota Prius hybrids.
Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Tucson Clean Cities program, said that as a major employer, the UA is taking the lead and setting an example for other fleets in the region.
Though the four-passenger Leaf comes at a premium price, users should see savings over using comparable gas-powered cars, and maintenance costs may be lower, Kopach said.
"I could see us getting two or three (more Leafs) down the road," he said, adding that the university could end up with a half-dozen.
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