The maker of the first mass-marketed, 100% electric vehicle — the Nissan LEAF — now employs an eco vessel nicknamed “Roro” — for roll-on and roll-off pick-ups and deliveries.

At one-and-a-half football fields in length, the carrier took four years to complete and began its maiden voyage January 27.

The red-white-and-blue Nichioh Maru’s green secret is its energy-saving, electronically -controlled diesel engine, with 281 solar panels fitted to the carrier’s deck.

It employs LED lighting in the ship’s hold and living quarters, and its hull is painted with the latest low friction coating, among other energy-efficient features onboard.

“As Nissan went to the effort to launch the Nissan LEAF at that time, in terms of the logistical flow, we thought there would be a way for us to contribute using state-of-the-art technologies,” said Tomohiko Uchiyama, president of Nitto Kaiun Corporation, Roro’s operator.

Compared to an existing car carrier of the same type, this ship can achieve a fuel reduction of up to nearly 1,400 tons annually, which converts to an annual reduction of 4,200 tons of CO2 emissions.

The Nichioh Maru follows in the sustainability wake of the City of St. Petersburg eco-carrier, which Nissan began using in 2010 for international routes in Europe.

The Nissan Green Program 2016 aims to use more renewable energy and have an industry-leading, small carbon footprint.

Each roundtrip uses roughly 13 tons fewer fuel, for a reduction in CO2 emissions of 18% compared with a standard vessel.

The purpose is to evaluate and test the residential and commercial applications of energy storage systems or back-up power sources using lithium-ion battery packs reclaimed from electric vehicles after use.

Energy storage systems can store power from the grid during times of low usage and feed that electricity back into the grid during periods of peak demand, increasing grid performance and providing back-up power during outages.

The team plans to develop a LEAF battery storage prototype with a capacity of at least 50 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough to supply 30 average homes with electricity for one hour.

Electric vehicle batteries, such as those that power the Nissan LEAF, have longer lives than those of personal computers or cell phones, with up to 70 percent capacity remaining after 10 years of use in an automotive application. This longevity allows them to be used beyond the lifetime of the vehicle for applications such as a smart-grid community energy management system or battery energy storage.

Innovative energy storage solutions are expected to become a key component of the smart grid, contributing to greater efficiency, reliability and performance. They will facilitate further integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into the grid. The evaluation of Nissan batteries, through the partnership, will help determine their suitability for the power industry as a cost-effective energy storage solution.

“This agreement will allow us to evaluate the commercial viability of a grid storage solution and develop a prototype to effectively reuse Nissan LEAF batteries,” said Bruno Melles, head of ABB’s Medium Voltage power products business, a part of the company’s Power Products division. “We look forward to working with our partners to take electric vehicle battery energy storage technology a step further.”

Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV.  The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organisation dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs.  On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.”  The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue-accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents.  The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces.  Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment.  The exterior is painted in a customised colour, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue coloured accents and bright interior colour palette, while also retaining the NV200′s strong functional feeling.  The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles.   In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets.  The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan.  Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx.  Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfil exact customer requirements.

Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries.  Future launches are planned for North America and India.  Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.

Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.

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The EU institution that represents the interests of Europe’s regions in Brussels is making a conscious effort to reduce its carbon footprint and part of this strategy has been to add environmentally-friendly passenger cars to its fleet. The long-term two year lease of a Nissan LEAF is a sign that the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle is a leader among clean cars.

EU President of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes Bresso, said: “The Committee of the Regions is committed to reducing emissions and improving air quality in our cities and regions around Europe. That process begins at home with the reduction of emissions from the fleet of cars we use. The addition of this all-electric vehicle to our fleet has another advantage which is to inform citizens of the clean mobility solutions that exist today.”

This comes soon after the first orders for the Nissan LEAF were taken in Belgium and is a further boost to the 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year’s environmental credentials.

Nissan Europe’s Head of the Zero Emission Business Unit, Pierre Loing, said: “This is further endorsement that the fully electric Nissan LEAF is a real solution to reducing emissions and we are happy to provide the Committee of the Regions with one of our zero emission cars.”

Previously only available to those registered on Nissan’s web site, reservations are now open to all Canadians who live within the vicinity (65 km) of the 27 Nissan LEAF certified dealers across Canada.

The first allocation of 40 MY11 Nissan LEAFs were snapped up within minutes this summer and the momentum continued with the first 350 MY12 reservations made available earlier this fall.

With the opening to the general public, even more Canadians will have the opportunity to buy the first all-electric car built for the mass market.

As of the end of November over 110 Nissan LEAF have been delivered to customers in Canada and globally, over 20,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold. At a starting price of $38,395, the Nissan LEAF is eligible for provincial rebates of $8,500 in Ontario, $8,000 in Quebec and $5,000 in British Columbia.

Online Reservation Process:

- On December 12th online reservations opened to those living within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer at leaf.nissan.ca.
- A $99 reservation fee (fully refundable) is required to secure a reservation.
- After booking a home-charging assessment, customers will receive an invitation to order a Nissan LEAF.
- Customers request a quote from a local Nissan LEAF-certified dealer and will continue through the sales process until they drive away in their own Nissan LEAF.

Nissan has re-opened reservations and has begun taking orders from the general public for the 2012 Nissan LEAF in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets beginning in spring 2012.

With this new wave of availability, Nissan LEAF is now available for order in 30 states, including Washington, D.C. Nationwide, 50-state ordering will be available by March 2012.

The move comes just days before the one-year anniversary of the world’s first Nissan LEAF delivery on Dec. 11.

After one year and 20,000 global deliveries, the Nissan LEAF remains the world’s first and only all-electric car for the mass market.

“Nissan LEAFs have been on the U.S. roads for one year now, and thousands of drivers have become living proof that a 100-percent electric, zero-emissions vehicle fulfills the daily needs of drivers from all walks of life,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “We are seeing already-strong interest in the LEAF continue to grow across the country. This market expansion brings us one step closer to true, nationwide availability.”

The Concept is not the first LEAF produced by Nismo. In April 2010, Nissan revealed the LEAF Nismo RC, an out and-out electric racing car, at the New York Motor Show.

Earlier at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, Nissan also displayed a sporty Nismo edition of the Juke Crossover.

With 20,000 examples sold globally since the end of 2010 and with two international awards to its name, the Nissan LEAF has proved zero emission mobility is a practical reality.

Now comes the Nissan LEAF Nismo Concept to show that electric vehicles can appeal to the heart just as much as to the head.

Central to the Concept is the stylish body kit, which gives LEAF a purposeful new look. But the modifications have been made with more than just fashion in mind – they play a significant aerodynamic role, generating extra downforce at speed to enhance LEAF’s handling and grip.

The major elements of the kit are the front aero bumper, rear under protector, rear diffuser, extended side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels. The front bumper incorporates LED lighting which is arranged transversely to accentuate a sense of motion.

The body kit has been created as an extension of the `smart fluidity’ concept that shaped the standard LEAF. It harmonises with LEAF’s sophisticated design, which endows the car with advanced aerodynamic and acoustic properties, and takes advantage of the design freedoms of the EV layout: with no conventional engine to cover, the hood line is much lower and more streamlined.

Extended side sills and the deeper bumpers front and rear emphasise LEAF’s low centre of gravity – made possible by the siting of the car’s lithium-ion batteries beneath the passenger compartment – as well as managing air flow over the body for the extra downforce. Unlike the standard car, which runs on 16-inch wheels, The Nissan LEAF Nismo Concept has 18-inch rims with lower profile tyres for added grip.

Nismo has left LEAF’s electric drivetrain untouched. One of the features of the potent 80kW AC motor is the instant supply of full torque (280Nm)… and that provides acceleration that is genuinely electrifying. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds and can sprint on to a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph).

LEAF’s lithium-ion battery, which comprises 48 modules, provides a potential range of 175km (109 miles) and can be recharged to full capacity overnight from a domestic electricity supply. It can also be charged to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes, using a Quick Charger.

This is the 32nd year that the Car of the Year Japan awards has been held, and it is the first time in its long history that an electric car has won this prestigious award.

The award committee, which is made up of about 60 motor experts from motor magazines and media organizations, said the Leaf was extremely practical and had helped popularize electric vehicles.

Nissan Leaf also won the 2011-2012 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA) Car of the Year and 2011-2012 JAHFA Car Design of the Year awards.

Since its launch on the market at the end of last year, some 20,000 units have been sold, notably in Japan and in the US.

The motor experts also selected Mercedes-Benz Japan Co.’s C-class sedan/station wagon as the Import Car of the Year.

Electric cars with cutting-edge green technology and vehicles remote-controlled by smartphones have been a star feature at this year’s show, which runs till December 11 and features 179 exhibitors from a dozen countries.

Nissan says that the PIVO 3 is not just a show car. The PIVO 3 is what Nissan envisions to be a more “realistic” EV of the near future.

Building on the pioneering PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, the new PIVO 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow’s cities.

Where PIVO 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, PIVO 3 evolves in the direction of “smart community” with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance. Nissan believes PIVO 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be.

As part of Nissan’s long-term commitment to lead the way in mass-marketed zero-emission mobility, PIVO 3 stands alongside the Nissan LEAF as a practical approach to sustainability for the real world. Nissan LEAF is a compact hatchback; PIVO is an ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

Comes when it’s called, with automated parking and automatic charging functions
With Automated Valet Parking (AVP), PIVO 3 will revolutionize the parking experience by connecting to and responding to infrastructure. No longer does a driver need to find a parking space, physically park the car, or remember which space the car is parked. PIVO 3 can park automatically in specially-equipped parking lots. While the driver shops or takes care of business, PIVO 3 recharges itself or sells excess power to the grid. Later, the driver can call PIVO 3 and summon it to the driver’s location using a smartphone.

This AVP function not only creates more freedom in private life, but it can also contribute to society and benefit the environment by supplying electric power on the regional grid. PIVO 3 points the way to mobility as a service — always on, available and reliable.

U-turn in 4 meters, with zero turn gap
PIVO 3 is a remarkably compact package, measuring just under 3m in length and seating three in a 1+2 layout. The compact body and narrow-tread wheels with IWM (in-wheel motors) enable an extremely small turning radius with zero turn gap. PIVO 3 is very agile and can effortlessly park in tight spaces. Such maneuverability also aids the driver who has taken a wrong turn onto a narrow street. Instead of having to back out in reverse gear, PIVO 3 can make a legal U-turn in a road only 4m wide. Considering that most public roads around the world are at least 4m in width, this means that a U-turn is almost always possible because of its 2m minimum turning radius.

Package leverages electric drive, by-wire technology and in-wheel motors
Like the previous PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses electric power and by-wire control technology to permit freedom of layout and the downsizing or elimination of many mechanical parts. Again, similar to PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses in-wheel motors (IWM) to give wheels great freedom of movement, and more space in the vehicle chassis. Moreover, PIVO 3 balances the advantages of IWM with user friendliness by keeping wheel rotation within a range that will maintain a natural steering feel for the typical driver.

Seamless mobility built on friendly innovation
Guided by the philosophy of “friendly innovation”, Nissan seeks to ensure that the customer perceives cutting-edge technology as being truly easy to use and understand. In this context, one of the engaging features of PIVO 3 that it inherits from the previous PIVO 2 is the Robotic Agent interface. The car acts as a partner or personal assistant to the driver, with companionship conveyed by the Robotic Agent. Based on this approach, PIVO 3 supports a life of seamless mobility, using cloud computing and infrastructure (e.g. AVP and charging facilities) to connect with the city. A “smart” personal filter selects information relevant to the current driver, location and vehicle.

Mature exterior styling integrates narrow-tread rear tires
Externally, PIVO 3 shows mature styling with bold surfaces and a new stance. Front fenders extending out of a crouching chassis with a sculptural front exude a look of agility. Long body lines and angular planes combine in a dynamically active form. Rear styling cues emphasize strong presence within compact dimensions. Trim and stylish mobility is promised by the new stance, which attractively reveals narrow rear track width.

Interior design
Inside, PIVO 3 presents a distinctive design centering on driving controls that seamlessly integrate with interior and exterior styling. Side-view monitors take the place of mirrors, using Nissan’s Around View Monitor system to reveal the car’s surroundings and help minimize blind spots. The center console features an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information, and together with a sub-monitor and the Robotic Agent, is positioned to interact discreetly with the driver. Carefully stitched leather and silver-hued trim meld in a “snow white” and “EV blue” color scheme to produce a tasteful, high-quality ambience. Smooth surfaces add to the refined feel within the compact cabin dimensions, rather than emphasizing environmental frugality.

Next stage of urban mobility
With its home charging capability, Nissan LEAF liberates the driver from dependence on gasoline. It also has the potential to store renewable energy and even supply the household with electricity. From this “LEAF to HOME” connection, PIVO 3 expands the possibilities to include the entire electrical grid. When EV’s represent a larger percentage of all cars, collectively serving as part of a city’s infrastructure, advanced electric vehicles like PIVO 3 could help balance electric power supply and demand — around the clock and around the town. Such a powerful synergy of smart cities, cloud computing and EVs opens the door to the urban society of tomorrow.

The newly-developed quick charging unit retains the high performance of the current quick charger manufactured by Nissan, but is nearly half the size (by volume). It offers many safety features for safe charging, such as monitoring against a potential short circuit when the charging unit is interfacing with the EV. It complies with CHAdeMO protocol and is compatible with Nissan EVs as well as EVs manufactured by other companies. The new charger unit’s smaller size will take up less space and enable easier installation.

Thanks to the adoption of new electric circuit technology and by harnessing technology used in Nissan manufacturing and R&D, the new unit features a simple and efficient design that costs 598,500 yen including tax ($7,728 at current exchange rates) for the base grade, which is below half the price of the current unit, but maintains the overall level of quality. Moreover, customers can apply to a government incentive system for charging units to be reimbursed for approximately half the cost (without tax) of a unit. The actual cost is would then be upwards of a very affordable 318,500 yen ($4,112 at current exchange rates).

The company plans to install the new charging units at about 400 of its dealerships nationwide by the end of fiscal year 2011 (March 2012), which will be double the number of units which have already been installed.

Specifications