Nissan and JAF to test roadside service vehicle with EV charger

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) announced a joint trial operation of a roadside service vehicle equipped with a charger to assist electric vehicles (EVs) which run out of battery power. The trial service commences on 7 June.

Roadside assistance for EVs. Click to enlarge.

Nissan developed a prototype roadside service vehicle equipped with a charging system; 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.

In December 2010, JAF conducted roadside assistance training for EVs using a 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 other EVs in cooperation with other automakers.

As EVs 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.

—Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan’s senior vice president of External and Governmental Affairs

Source: Green Car Congress