Want an eco-friendly car without the hassle of plugging in? Check out the Charging Wireless Pad for the Nissan Leaf

 

Fast Company just wrote about the new charging wireless pad for the Nissan Leaf.  I like the innovative progress in finding alternative methods of energy to run a car.  I grew up in the Jetson's era, and as a kid we were told that by the time we were adults, we would be in flying cars.  I guess that's not going to happen any time soon.  But at least as a consumer I have choices for transportation that can eliminate spending hundreds of dollars every month on gas.  I like where Nissan is headed.  Wireless charging pads make a lot of sense.  The car still only has a driving range of approximately 100 miles on a single charge, however if charging pads are available at convenient places such as parking garages, malls, grocery stores, etc., it  can eliminate the fear of running out of juice.

CNN reports that it's a neck and neck race between the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf.
A quick comparison:

• The Volt is a gas/electric hybrid. The Leaf is purely electric.
• The Volt requires 10-12 hours to charge.  The Leaf requires 8 hours.
• The Volt costs $43,000 vs The Leaf at $34,500.
• Both cars have elite buyers with an annual household income of $150k.  By comparison, the Toyota Prius has an annual household income of $100k.
• 56% of Volt owners would pick the Leaf if they had a second choice.

It definitely feels like progress and time will tell if the Nissan Leaf will be a winner, along with the wireless charging pad.

A quick look at their media launch plan informed me that I'm in their primary target market to buy the product.  White women, ages 35-54 with annual household incomes of >$100k, married with kids, well educated and professional employment.  Concerned about the environment, early adopters, pay a premium for environmentally friendly products, more concerned about safety and functionality than engine displacement and horsepower.

I live in Denver, CO which was not one of the test market cities.  I guess it remains to be seen if eventually they will promote the car to women in Colorado.  So far, I haven't seen anything other than the Fast Company article.  Perhaps sometime in 2012 I'll update this post about trading in my Acura RDX for a Nissan Leaf.  We will see!