Electronic Arts has never been one for subtly, but this is a bit much even for them. A new piece of free DLC has been released for SimCity, and it features a not-so-understated piece of product placement.
The new addition is the Nissan Leaf Charging Station. Perhaps in an effort to convince you of how awesome the Leaf is, the station does not require any power, water, or even workers to function. It simply sits wherever you place it, and produces free happiness for nearby buildings. The station also does not create any sewage or garbage, and will even give some of your Sims (of all wealth classes) little electric cars to drive. What a truly wonderful piece of utopia (brought to you by Nissan).
It might be overt product placement that comes very close to breaking any sense of realism in the city management simulation, but at least it's free. The charging station is available through the SimCity in-game store, or by visiting Origin. It is undoubtedly the first of as many product tie-ins as EA can find. The building is also likely a first stepping stone to "premium" additions to the SimCity package. That is, if EA can't find enough corporate sponsors to shell out for their own DLC.
Maxis describes it as such: "The charging station will be a new destination in player's cities where their Sims will drive their Nissan Leaf cars in order to recharge them. Once they leave, the Sims will find themselves happier. Plopping down the station will add happiness to nearby buildings. It will not take power, water, or workers away from your city. Zoom in to the streets of cities, and players will start seeing a percentage of their Sims from all wealth classes driving the electric vehicles. The station produces no garbage or sewage, as well, making it pollution free."
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