Four Japanese automakers are working together to make EV charging stations widely available through Japan.
Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation jointly established a new company, Nippon Charge Service, LLC, (NCS) on Monday, May 26, to promote the installation of chargers for electric-powered vehicles.
The goal is to help build a charging network that offers more convenience to drivers in Japan.
In a press release sent out today, today, all four automakers, stated the new company would promote the installation of chargers, for the good of society and to expand the use of electric-powered vehicles. Related industries are also expected to benefit. Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) will support the joint effort of the four automakers by investing in the new company with its “Fund for Japanese Industrial Competitiveness.”
Electric-powered vehicles are playing a major role in driving next-generation energy policy, added the quartet. On November 12, 2013, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi jointly announced a plan to financially assist installers of charging stations and began taking applications from prospective charging station installers. Together with Government subsidies the grants will cover the entire cost of installation for successful applicants.
This program is said to target charging facilities recognized to have high public value under the next-generation vehicle charging infrastructure plans drawn up by local governments and authorities. Financial assistance will be made available to businesses and operations to establish charging spots in key locations, such as at commercial facilities and lodging facilities, as well as en-route charging spots at highway service and parking areas, and convenience stores and service stations on regular roads.
NCS said under the program, a number of commercial facilities, hotels, convenience stores and highways have started installing charging stations. NCS will manage the chargers and the installers of EV charging stations will be asked to participate in the charging infrastructure network.
Through the new company the four automakers explained they would also provide car owners with a universally-accepted charging card. The system is expected to be up and running by the end of the year and will enable convenient access to the chargers operated by the new company.
source: http://www.hybridcars.com/toyota-nissan-honda-and-mitsubishi-create-japanese-ev-charging-network/
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