Rat said:
There's a lot of misinformation above. You DO have to order the QC port (i.e. SL model + QCP) to qualify for the EV Project (although they can still reject you for other reasons, e.g. wrong zip code). Also, if you get accepted into the EV Project, that doesn't guarantee the port cost will be removed from the purchase price. You may have to pay for it up front (like me) then get reimbursed.
I can only speak for my situation, and in my situation, I never had to order for the QC port. I applied and qualified for the EV Project first, then after that, when I get to order my Leaf, I automatically got the SL-e trim from the Nissan order page and there was not even any QC option in there for me to select. I asked why and it was explained to me by Nissan CS that because I already qualified for the EV Project, Nissan automatically gave me the QC option built-into the SL-e trim at no cost.
I know there are plenty of people in my situation where they were able to order the SL-e trim with the free QC port already included.
In the case of Rat, I suspect that he must have ordered his Leaf first BEFORE he was qualified for the EV Project (in my situation I was qualified for the EV Project first, before I placed my order). If that's the case, he indeed could only order the SL trim (not SL-e like me), and also order the QCP option along with it, then and get reimbursed for it later (if he qualifies for EV Project after the order).
Rat said:
and the reimbursement is made by Nissan, not Ecotality. You just call Nissan customer support and explain that you were accepted into the EVP and paid the $700 yourself, and they will send you a check once they get the paperwork to prove it. I know, because it happened to me and many others. I got my car June 4 and the Blink was just installed last week. I'm surprised so many people are getting quicker service.
I do stand corrected on this one. If you read
this thread, at first it seems like it wasn't clear whether Nissan or Ecotality should pay for the QC refund, but then later it was settled that Nissan should pay. I simply remembered it wrong and I apologize for the misinformation here.