Apparently Nissan has taken Top Gear review of the LEAF very seriously. Almost too seriously!
Nissan UK just announced they are going to fund the installation of Lincoln’s first public electric vehicle charging point. Those who have watched the show know that as Jeremy and James pointed out there’s no charging point in the city of Lincoln. That put Jeremy in big trouble finding a place to charge his LEAF, and – for complicated reasons – gave James a tattoo of Jeremy’s name on his bottom!
Before announcing this decision, Nissan has had a bit of a feud with Top Gear regarding the film. They said TG’s verdict was biased against electric cars and they made Nissan LEAF look like a useless vehicle. Top Gear producer Andy Wilman, of course, responded well to the charges.
According to Nissan, The PodPoint charging unit is due to be installed before the end of the month and the presenters will be invited to return to Lincoln and be the first to plug in to the new charger. Not sure if that will change their verdict. And definitely not sure if such projects will solve EVs numerous problems that prevent from becoming the ideal cars of future.
Councillor Fay Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and Public Protection at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “The Top Gear programme highlighted the fact that Lincoln does not currently provide for electric cars and we’re really pleased that Nissan is now funding a charging point. We’re committed to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, but know that we can’t do it alone, so it’s great that private businesses like Nissan are getting behind this and putting in the infrastructure.”
Top Gear Executive Producer Andy Wilman said: “This is excellent news for the electric car community of Lincoln. If the charging point had existed when Top Gear were there, James wouldn’t now be walking around with Jeremy’s name tattooed on his bottom. Still, better late than never.”
Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said: “Research tells us that most LEAF owners will charge their car at home or at their place of work, but drivers like having the ability to ‘top up’ their charge when they are out and about, especially if they are making longer journeys. With its new charging points and the fame generated by Top Gear, Lincoln could find itself becoming a tourist destination for Nissan LEAF owners.”
