Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daikyo Partner to Develop Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries (EVs) will make a significant contribution towards moving towards this new society with a lower carbon footprint. Nissan and Daikyo understand that development of a charging infrastructure is a key component for widespread acceptance of electric cars with lithium ion batteries by consumers.

While there is much enthusiasm in the marketplace for new electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries, specifically the all-new, 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF, customers also want to know that there is the requisite support for this new mode of transportation.

In urban areas, charging stations in condominium buildings are very important for mass adoption of electric cars with lithium ion batteries. Under the MOU, the two companies will jointly launch the "Demonstration Project for electric car Charging Infrastructure in Condominium Buildings." This project will suggest solutions and solicit participation from interested condominium buildings.

As part of the project, Nissan and Daikyo will review and suggest approaches to installing chargers in condominium buildings. This work will be done in cooperation with Daikyo Astage Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daikyo. Additionally, Nissan will provide electric cars with lithium ion batteries and chargers on a test basis to condominium owners for a trial period in order to identify any problems, address potential solutions and study the overall user-friendliness of the charging stations.

Nissan, Daikyo and Daikyo Astage invite interested condominium association boards in Yokohama City and Kanagawa Prefecture (with management commissioned to Daikyo Astage) to apply to participate in the program.

Daikyo plans to install charging infrastructure in about ten percent of the parking in each of the condominium buildings in its Lions Mansion Series scheduled for construction after April 2010.

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