Nissan teams up with Ricker’s to fuel electric cars

INDIANAPOLIS – Thanks to a local partnership, Nissan is now bringing its popular “No Charge to Charge” program to Indianapolis, providing two years of no-cost, public charging to new Nissan LEAF buyers within the Greater Indianapolis market.

Nissan formed a partnership with an unlikely ally in its effort to get drivers to kick gas and drive electric – Ricker’s. With the help of the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition, Nissan teamed with the Indianapolis-based operator of fuel and convenience stores to install fast charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) at nine Ricker fueling stations spread across Central Indiana, the largest city-wide deployment of EV chargers at a chain of fueling stations in the U.S.

“Indianapolis has quickly become a very EV-friendly market, thanks to the efforts of Ricker’s and local leaders like Mayor Ballard,” said Brendan Jones, Nissan’s director of Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure Deployment. “With chargers now conveniently placed throughout Metro Indianapolis, owners can enjoy even more all-electric miles in their quiet, fun-to-drive Nissan LEAF.”

Indianapolis is now the 14^th market in the U.S. where Nissan has launched “No Charge to Charge” program.  With “No Charge to Charge,” customers who purchase or lease a new Nissan LEAF beginning on April 1, 2015, will enjoy complimentary charging at these nine Ricker’s locations, plus three additional stations at Indianapolis-area Simon Property malls.

"Whatever the future of fuel is, Ricker’s will be here to dispense it to our loyal, Hoosier customer base,” said Quinn Ricker, President and CEO of Ricker Oil Company and Convenience Stores. “Our desire to deliver a quality product in a clean and friendly environment is a top priority for us. Through our partnership with Nissan, we are thrilled to be able to provide electric charging stations at no cost and be among the largest providers of electric charging stations in America."

More EVs on Indy’s horizon

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has led the charge to bring more electric cars to the city. In addition to championing an all-electric car sharing service, Ballard signed an executive order making Indianapolis the first major city in the United States to pledge to convert its entire municipal non-police fleet to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2025. The city’s plug-in fleet – which includes the all-electric LEAF – now numbers more than 100, with plans to add 325 additional plug-in vehicles in 2015.

“In Indianapolis, we are taking bold steps to reduce our city’s oil dependence,” Mayor Ballard said. “Growing our citywide network of EV charging stations is important as we transition the city’s entire fleet off foreign oil and work with residents to increase their access to electric vehicles.”

“We are pleased to support private sector partnerships like the one between Nissan and Ricker Oil, “said Tristan Vance, Director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development and Chief Energy Officer for the State. “We are open to and grateful for opportunities that provide increased options for Hoosiers. Privately funded projects like this that support Indiana consumers are important drivers behind an energy policy that seeks to utilize all of Indiana’s energy resources.” 

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Ricker’s
Headquartered in Anderson, Ricker’s mission is to be the upscale convenience store of choice in Indiana. Ricker Oil Company, Inc. was founded in 1979 by Jay and Nancy Ricker in Middletown, Indiana. Ten years later, they purchased the company’s first convenience store. Since its inception, Ricker’s has grown to include more than 52 high-end convenience stores, which employ more than 700 Hoosiers. Ricker’s prides itself on clean stores, a friendly environment and staff, and its famous “RickerPop” fountain drinks.

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Contact

Brian Brockman
Nissan Corporate Communications
615-725-1447
Brian.brockman@nissan-usa.com