Other renewables

Nissan and JAF to Test Roadside Service Vehicle With Electric Vehicles Charger

The trial service commences on June 7, 2011. Nissan is taking part in a technology development project for measures to counteract global warming that was launched by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and aimed at promoting green innovation. In line with this effort, Nissan developed a prototype roadside service vehicle equipped with a charging system for electric vehicles which become inoperable. JAF will deploy the roadside service vehicle with the charger from its Kanagawa branch office and will use it on a trial basis as part of their service menu from fiscal year 2011. This trial project will be a valuable first step as Nissan and JAF move forward in promoting the real-world use of this type of roadside vehicle, intended to create a safety net and render assistance to electric vehicles which may run out battery power, and to help stranded motorists.

In December 2010, JAF conducted roadside assistance training for electric vehicles using a electric car Nissan LEAF, including towing, at the Nissan Education Center for its staff from throughout Japan. JAF also initiated related practical roadside service training across Japan using otherelectric vehicles in cooperation with other automakers.

Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan’s senior vice president of External and Governmental Affairs, said, "As electric vehicles gain wider consumer acceptance, it is important to create a roadside assistance system that can help motorists driving EVs which have run out of battery power, as well as to build a charging infrastructure. Nissan is leveraging the development and trial operation of this roadside service vehicle with charging equipment – and the accompanying staff training – to strengthen cooperation with JAF and to benefit customers. This will build confidence in electric car use and contribute toward achieving a society with low carbon emissions."

Masakazu Kume, Executive Director, Japan Automobile Federation, said, "JAF has been working on ways to create an environment where motorists can drive EVs with the assurance that assistance is available and to support the adoption of environmentally-friendly EVs as part of our social contribution activities. Our participation in this trial operation is one of these activities. We have already prepared insulated gloves and goggles for our service vehicle staff to assist electric vehicles. We will actively respond to requests from electric car motorists as more and more electric vehicles hit the road."

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