A Comprehensive Approach to a Zero-Emission Society
The widespread use of zero-emission vehicles, which produce no CO2 emissions during operation, is an effective way of helping to bring about a sustainable society. The auto industry must go beyond producing and selling zero-emission vehicles to help put the necessary infrastructure in place and assure that the vehicles are economical to use-goals that no company can accomplish on its own. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has made the launch and popularization of EVs a key strategy, and has committed to zero-emission leadership. In addition to boosting the development and production of EVs, we have forged more than 100 zero-emission partnerships with national and local governments, electric power companies and other partners in a range of industries to promote zero-emission mobility and to carry out discussions on the construction of the required infrastructure.
We are also taking part in a comprehensive range of initiatives focusing on zero-emission mobility, including the production of lithium-ion batteries, secondary use and recycling of batteries, in-house manufacture and sale of quick-charging equipment, construction of vehicle-charging infrastructure and standardization of charging methods with other manufacturers. The spread of zero-emission vehicles will pave the way for the development of a sustainable mobility society.
"LEAF to Home" Power Supply System
The "LEAF to Home" system in action, using the EV Power Station by Nichikon
In August 2011, Nissan unveiled a new system, "LEAF to Home" that enables electricity to be supplied from the lithium-ion batteries installed in Nissan LEAF to households. Nissan LEAF can supply the electricity in its battery to a house when the car's quick-charging port is connected to the house's electricity distribution panel. This system provides completely new value made possible by the zero-emission vehicle's battery. In addition, the connector complies with the CHAdeMO Association's protocol for quick chargers, known for its versatility, safety and reliability.
With the "LEAF to Home", Nissan LEAF can be used as an electricity storage device for houses in times of power outages and/or shortages. The lithium-ion batteries can store up to a maximum of 24kWh of electricity. Nissan believes this system will be able to supply households with a stable amount of electricity throughout the day. The system can also help to reduce the burden on the power grid by charging Nissan LEAF with electricity generated at night (often at lower cost to the consumer), or through sustainable methods such as solar power, and using it during high demand periods.
The "LEAF to Home" power supply system has won the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Minister's Prize in the Grand Prize for Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Conservation program, for its high efficiency and energy savings.
Energy saving efforts with "LEAF to Home"
The "LEAF to Home" system is a step toward electricity management and contributes toward a stable power supply. In July 2012, Nissan began power-saving measures jointly with the City of Osaka and Osaka Prefecture, called "power saving actions with the Nissan LEAF", which utilizes the "LEAF to Home" system. Nissan provided 50 Nissan LEAFs to Osaka city and prefectural offices and 200 units to the private sector within Osaka prefecture free of charge*. Given that an average household consumes approximately 10kWh per day and half that amount is used during the day, it is expected that roughly 1,250 kWh of electricity can be reduced by the equivalent of 250 Nissan LEAFs operating the "LEAF to Home" system during the day, and contributions from use at 210 kWh at 14:00, when demand for electricity is highest.
Nissan also provides support with "LEAF to Home" to areas in Japan where measures are being taken to balance energy supply and demand, including Kitakyushu City, Saga Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City.
- * The free loan of Nissan LEAFs for this project will end at the end of fiscal year 2012 (March 31, 2013)
Powering Yokohama Marine Tower
From November 1 to 6, 2011, Nissan took part in the "Yokohama Marine Tower-LEAF Illumination 2001" event. Drawing on our "LEAF to Home" concept, we lit up Yokohama Marine Tower with power stored in a single Nissan LEAF. The vehicle was charged with solar power from the panels installed at our Global Headquarters in Yokohama. By providing the considerable amount of electricity needed for this event with clean energy sources, we were able to put on a beautiful illumination show while sharing our message of eco-friendliness with event visitors.
Nissan LEAF's Disaster Response Role
In partnership with the government of the city of Sendai, Miyagi Pre fecture, Nissan is carrying out trials to supply public f acilities with electricity from the battery of Nissan LEAF. Sendai suffered tremendous damage during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, and EVs played an important role in the aftermath. P eople were able to use the electricity supply, which was restored relatively quickly, while gasoline supplies were delayed for a long time. This prompted Sendai to begin testing a system for supplying public f acilities with electricity. The municipal government is promoting energy diversification and ensuring emerging energy sources as part of its e fforts toward building communities in which people feel secure, and it is looking at installing the system at disaster shelters and disaster prevention centers.
Infrastructure to Help the Spread of EVs
Nissan commenced sales of its proprietary quick-charging unit at Nissan parts dealers throughout Japan in November 2011. The new quick-charging unit retains the high performance of Nissan's current unit in approximately half the volume, allowing installation in smaller spaces.
In November 2011, Nissan and Sumitomo Corp. of America agreed to collaborate on sales and marketing activities in the U.S. market for the new quick-charging unit. The two companies have agreed to work together to popularize the new quick-charging unit to help bring about a z ero-emission society.
Japan Charge Network Launched
In February 2012, Nissan, Sumitomo Corp., NE C Corp. and Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. jointly established a new recharging service company for EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The new company is called Japan Charge Network Co., Ltd.
The new company began trial service in April 2012 and now the infrastructure network includes auto dealers, convenience stores in Kanagawa Prefecture and part of Tokyo, and Narita Airport. The company is in the phase to steadily build up a nationwide recharging infrastructure that puts the convenience of users at the fore while taking into account a range of lifestyle scenarios.
The Nissan Zero Emission Fund Launched
In June 2012, Nissan launched the Nissan Zero Emission Fund, a new fund for individual Nissan electric vehicle (EV) owners in Japan.Through participation in this fund program, Nissan LEAF owners are able to generate CO2 emissions credits certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and sold to the Green Investment Promotion Organization, an organization that promotes investment in low carbon emissions. The system calculates and certifies the amount of CO2 emissions that are avoided by driving zero-emissions vehicles. And profits earned by the sale of the credits will be invested by the fund to support the installation of quick charging facilities and forest conservation activities to accelerate the realization of a zero-emission society.
Nissan will engage in forest conservation efforts together with "more trees," a generally incorporated foundation in Japan. Nissan and more trees will use part of the profits generated by the fund to facilitate conservation of thinning forests in Japan that need reforestation, to be designated "LEAF Forests."
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