Carlos Ghosn envisions the car of the future at the Automobile Club de France (ACF)
June 29, 2014 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan, Renault
Video (6-27-14) courtesy of Nissan.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn
Photo courtesy of Nissan
You are browsing the archive for Carlos Ghosn Archives – EV News Report.
by EV News
by Jack Collins
Tesla and Nissan Pushing the EV Tip
September 17, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan, Tesla
The EV race is on! Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn have sparked the new space race, the EV. It is a race to beat back climate change and peak oil. Battery technology is the key to dramatic change, to a cleaner, safer and more productive (energy efficient) world.
In an interview at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said that he welcomed all the new competition to the EV space, and he added that competition would only further the EV movement that Nissan was leading. Mr. Ghosn recently introduced an all-electric van, e-NV200, to the marketplace in Barcelona, Spain, and he hopes to develop an electric truck in due time as well.
Governor Brown passing the “fancy” Model S
At the Drive The Dream event yesterday, Governor Brown was invigorated by the array of electric vehicles on Pier 15 in San Francisco, and in his speech, he made it clear that it was California that was leading the clean energy movement, not Washington. After so many years of listening to naysayers, the Governor was fired up!
A Tesla representative was at the event with a Model S on display, which Governor Brown described as “fancy.” The comment from the governor was appropriate. The Model S was glittering in the noonday sun like an automotive crown jewel. Considering the engineering excellence and elegant look of the Model S, it is not that difficult to understand the rise of Tesla.
The Model S and the Supercharger are the rock foundation which Tesla is built upon, and this foundation has the technological high ground. More than anyone else, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is driving the whole EV movement forward with his all-electric zeal and competitive spirit.
Tesla tweeted yesterday, “Last week, Tesla owners rallied 125 Model S & Roadsters for “‘Tour de Tesla”’, a 50 mile road rally in Southern CA.”
Tesla stock (TSLA) closed at $166.23 per share, down .21% on the day. The shares have been trading in a range (about $160 to the low $170s) for the last few weeks.
by EV News
Highlights from Ghosn-Zetsche Frankfurt Media Briefing
September 16, 2013 in Daimler, Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan
Renault-Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn (right) and Daimler CEO and Head of Mercedes Benz Cars Dieter Zetsche.
Photo courtesy of Nissan
FRANKFURT, Germany – Renault-Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche held a briefing on Sept. 11 at the Frankfurt Motor Show to update the media on the progress of their companies’ over three-year strategic partnership.
Ghosn said that the partnership, which began in April 2010 to increase economies of scale for all three companies, has expanded to the point where “it is part of our corporate DNA.”
Ghosn and Zetsche revealed that, although originally designed around three “pillar projects” in Europe, the partnership has now expanded to embrace 10 significant global projects.
“Although our initial collaboration focused strongly on European projects, we are now focusing on synergies in all key markets,” said Ghosn.
Zetsche added: “We have come much further than we originally intended, but we know each other better and better and have more confidence all the time.”
One new project includes a feasibility study into jointly developing front-wheel drive vehicles for Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti. Ghosn declined to confirm speculation that the cars might be produced in Mexico saying: “We will update you when we have news on this.”
Ghosn also told the media that he was pleased that other manufacturers such as Tesla and BMW are producing electric vehicles.
“All of this is helping the tipping point where, instead of people saying of the electric car ‘maybe yes, maybe no,’ they are going to discover that everyone is working on EVs and that this is going to become a major segment. When it does, the Alliance will still be the global leader,” said Ghosn.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/. Video courtesy of Nissan
by EV News
Nissan Debuts e-NV200 Electric Taxi for Barcelona
September 11, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan
Nissan e-NV200 Taxi
Photo courtesy of Nissan
- Barcelona City Hall and Nissan have signed an agreement to promote the implementation of the 100% electric Nissan e-NV200 taxi in Barcelona
- City council commits to new quick charger infrastructure installation
- City to consider specific electric taxi stops and a preferential queuing system at airports and railway stations
- Barcelona becomes the first city in the world to make a firm commitment to implement electric vehicles in public transport
- Announcement covers the development of the electric taxi and on goods delivery from the Barcelona-manufactured Nissan e-NV200 model
Photo courtesy of Nissan
FRANKFURT, Germany – Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn presented today (9-10-13) the Nissan e-NV200 electric taxi for Barcelona in the presence of Barcelona mayor Xavier Trias. Barcelona is the first city in the world to commit to the implementation of the zero-emission vehicle as publicly accessible transport.
Barcelona will lead the global rollout of the new e-NV200 100% electric taxi version, which will also be introduced in other big cities around the world and will be begin production in 2014 in the city. Nissan and Barcelona City signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the use of electric vehicles as taxis and as delivery vehicles by improving the quick charging network and looking at a range of privileges for zero emission operators.
The Nissan e-NV200 will be manufactured at the factory located in the Zona Franca in Barcelona from mid-2014 with an investment of 100 million euros and will create over 700 new jobs. The factory in Barcelona will be the single global manufacturing plant for the e-NV200 and vehicles will be exported worldwide to a range of international markets.
The e-NV200 is the second vehicle to be introduced to Nissan’s line-up of zero-emission vehicles. The new electric light commercial vehicle is based on the award-winning NV200 van, which is also built in Barcelona. The new zero emission model combines the architecture of the NV200 with the electric drivetrain from the world’s best selling electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF. The resulting vehicle has been engineered to have its own unique character and appearance, while retaining the class leading load space of the combustion-engined van.
In talking about the new electric taxi initiative, Ghosn said: “We applaud Barcelona city for making this clear commitment to integrating the revolutionary Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicle into the city’s taxi fleet. We are delighted that the city where we will build this new vehicle is leading the way in promoting clean transportation for the benefit for all its citizens and visitors. The e-NV200 is a revolutionary product that will make zero emission taxis and goods delivery vehicles a reality in cities across the globe from next year.”
In a press conference, the mayor of Barcelona and Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan, have released details of the agreement signed by both parties and which aims to promote measures and incentives for the proper introduction and implementation of the vehicle e-NV200 as a taxi and goods delivery vehicle in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
The mayor of Barcelona has highlighted the relevance of the agreement as “a step forward to reinforce the role of Barcelona as a leading city in zero-emission taxis and urban goods distribution,” and has revealed the commitment to progress onto a zero-emission city model, a commitment shared with Nissan.
“We want to put the talent, creativity and innovation of Barcelona to support the new sustainability sectors. This pioneering scheme and the technology developed for it and other sustainability projects like it will improve the welfare of the people of the city and create further employment opportunities.” The Mayor has also stressed the celebration of the EVS27, the 27th International Electric Vehicle Symposium, which will be held in Barcelona this November “as a great opportunity to consolidate the strong investment and the good work that Barcelona is undertaking to promote the electric vehicle implementation.”
In the partnership agreement, Nissan is committed to developing a specific taxi version and supporting the City of Barcelona with the deployment of a charging infrastructure. Nissan will contribute to installation of the necessary charging infrastructure for the city by providing CHAdeMO quick chargers. The Nissan-designed chargers can recharge any compatible electric vehicle from zero to 80% battery in just 30 minutes. Barcelona City Hall and the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona will install these quick chargers across the city to create a network for taxi drivers and others to quickly “refuel.” These quick charger are part of the over 1,200 planned to be installed across Europe by March 2014.
Nissan and the City of Barcelona also aim at encouraging electric vehicle use in goods delivery. As part of the agreement, the City Council is committed to provide specific places for loading and unloading goods and to enable electric vehicle charging points, as well as promoting a specific identification for electric vehicles. They will also consider the creation of goods delivering zones and schedules exclusively for zero-emission vehicles and to introduce tax cuts such as reducing business taxes to companies with fleets of electric vehicles.
The incentives to encourage the use of electric delivery vehicles is something that is expected to be replicated in many cities, with several also considering restricting access to central locations to only zero-emission vehicles.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/.
by EV News
Nissan e-NV200 Zero Emission Van in Final Development Phase
September 8, 2013 in Electric Truck, Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan
- Nissan is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle, the e-NV200 compact van, scheduled for launch in 2014
- e-NV200 has received positive comments from large commercial fleets for its quiet, comfortable driving with no tailpipe emissions and low noise, CO2 reduction, and generous carrying capacity
- Nissan is exploring further innovative ways of harnessing its world-leading EV technology in the commercial vehicle market with the e-NT400, which is in development phase, the European Cabstar-based light truck (known as the Nissan Atlas in Japan)
Nissan e-NV200 Zero Emission Van
Image courtesy of Nissan
IRVINE, Calif. — Nissan is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle, the e-NV200 compact van. Electric vehicles are ideal for urban delivery applications, and this vehicle is envisaged for use as a delivery van that offers a breakthrough type of mobility for entrepreneurs, featuring efficiency and green consciousness.
The company has been working with several large commercial fleets in global markets since 2011 to understand how the e-NV200 test car performs under real operating conditions. So far the e-NV200 has received positive comments for its quiet, comfortable driving with no emissions and low noise, CO2 reduction, and generous carrying capacity.
Feedback will help Nissan adapt future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfill exacting customer requirements.
The 100% electric compact van, e-NV200, is scheduled for launch in 2014. As Nissan’s second global electric vehicle, it follows Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable 100% EV for the mass market.
In addition to further reinforcing Nissan’s zero-emissions leadership, the launch of the e-NV200 represents significant innovation in the commercial vehicle market. The model offers all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of its base vehicle, the multipurpose commercial van NV200. It delivers advanced performance that can only be achieved through the powertrain of the Nissan LEAF.
The e-NV200 provides exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness, driving characteristics that are unique to EVs, while emitting no CO2 emissions at the point of use. e-NV200 displays great potential for businesses, with its advanced telematics system and power-supply function in the cargo compartment. Also, the model’s enviable running cost – a priority for most companies – will be highly attractive when competing in the commercial vehicle marketplace.
“The e-NV200 will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditional diesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point of use. What’s more, it will provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EVs. e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan e-NT400
Image courtesy of Nissan
When e-NV200 production begins it will become Nissan’s second zero-emission vehicle, but the company is already investigating further innovative ways of harnessing its world-leading EV technology in the commercial vehicle market with the e-NT400, which is a light truck based on the European NT400Cabstar, known as NT400 Atlas in Japan.
The e-NT400, still in its development phase but with plans for production under study, uses Nissan LEAF running gear to create a zero-emission 100% electric vehicle.
Like e-NV200, e-NT400 would be able to enter city areas denied to conventional vehicles powered by diesel or petrol engines, while its near-silent running means it could operate around the clock as it creates no noise or emission nuisance.
Low running costs would make e-NT400 a breakthrough business proposition, while the high output, high capacity lithium-ion battery powering the 80kW electric motor gives smooth, vibration-free acceleration for a completely unprecedented driving experience.
Nissan e-NT400 ATLAS Concept
Photo courtesy of Nissan
With a cruising range of 87 miles (140 kilometers) in NEDC mode, and the availability of fully integrated Quick Charging potential – allowing the battery to be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just 60 minutes – the e-NT400 has the potential to make a serious contribution to lowering CO2 emission in cities. At the same time, it will increase productivity and lower running costs for operators.
Hideto Murakami, Nissan corporate vice president responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit, said: “As well as e-NV200, Nissan is developing a number of vehicles that adapt a diverse range of EV technologies. We want to explore the potential of EV technology in the light commercial market to diversify the value that Nissan’s commercial vehicles provide to businesses.”
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/.
by EV News
Nissan ZEOD RC Set to Hit the Track for the First Time
August 29, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Nissan
Testing and development of the World’s Fastest Electric Racing Car underway
Photo courtesy of Nissan
IRVINE, Calif. – Construction of the first Nissan ZEOD RC chassis is nearing completion, and the ground-breaking car that will “electrify Le Mans” is set to hit the track for the first time in the UK in early September. After the recent completion of the car’s carbon fiber tub, a team of Nissan engineers has worked around the clock in the UK to finish the inaugural car build and fit the twin electric engines that will initially power the car.
Spaniard Lucas Ordóñez was announced last week as the official test and development driver for the program at the Nissan 360 global media event in California. The 28-year-old Spaniard was the inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner, and this year recently scored a third place class finish at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour. Ordóñez will climb aboard the Nissan ZEOD RC for the first time next week when his custom-molded seat will be manufactured. When the car hits the track for the first time, the ZEOD RC will run in pure electric mode with zero emissions.
Throughout the course of the development program, Nissan will test a number of “electrified” drive train options before locking in its package for next year’s Le Mans 24 Hour.
“We’re at a very exciting time in the development of the car and ready to kick off what will be an extensive test program between now and when we roll out the pit lane for the first time at Le Mans next year,” said Nissan’s Global Motorsport Director, Darren Cox. “Just developing a single power train option in only twelve months would be a mammoth task, but we’re looking to carefully examine a number of options to ascertain which will be best suited for Le Mans. But it is not just about what is going to be best for the race. We’re developing technologies that will speed up development of road cars in the future. The Le Mans 24 Hour is the toughest endurance event in the world, and by participating in the event we can really fast track the development of some of these technologies.”
The target of competing at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hour is only the first step of a number of challenges Nissan is going to set for the innovative ZEOD RC program.
With Lord Paul Drayson recently setting a new FIA land speed record for electric vehicles under 1000kg, the Nissan ZEOD RC now has a new benchmark to aim for.
“While we’re aiming to reach 300km/h (186mph) under electric power at Le Mans, the Nissan ZEOD RC certainly has the capability to go faster than that in a land speed record configuration situation,” Nissan’s Director of Motorsport Innovation, Ben Bowlby said. “At the Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans you have to have the right gear ratios installed to pull the car out of corners and chicanes. You don’t have a ‘flying mile’ with a long run-up before you enter the timing zone for a land speed record attempt. But that could potentially be our next target post Le Mans. Taking the Nissan ZEOD RC to Le Mans and becoming the first car to complete the entire 8.5 mile circuit is our first target.”
Nissan’s invitation from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February this year. The car will compete under the ACO’s ‘Garage 56′ entry – an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.
Nissan has partnered with French tire manufacturer Michelin to produce tires for the new prototype. Nissan previously joined forces with Michelin on the Nissan DeltaWing program.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/.
by EV News
Nissan Announces Unprecedented Autonomous Drive Benchmarks
August 27, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, LEAF, Nissan
- Nissan will be ready with revolutionary commercially-viable Autonomous Drive in multiple vehicles by the year 2020
- Program underway in Japan to construct first dedicated, purpose-built autonomous drive proving ground
- The goal is availability across the model range within two vehicle generations
- Nissan already working with top universities including MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Oxford and The University of Tokyo*; seeks to broaden collaborative research with other world-class institutions as well as start-ups
- Nissan leveraging 80 years of technical prowess and innovation in new effort to revolutionize vehicle chassis and design for Autonomous Drive
Photo courtesy of Nissan (Nissan LEAF)
IRVINE, Calif. – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the company will be ready with multiple, commercially-viable Autonomous Drive vehicles by 2020. Nissan announced that the company’s engineers have been carrying out intensive research on the technology for years, alongside teams from the world’s top universities, including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Tokyo.
Work is already underway in Japan to build a dedicated autonomous driving proving ground, to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2014. Featuring real townscapes – masonry not mock-ups – it will be used to push vehicle testing beyond the limits possible on public roads to ensure the technology is safe.
Nissan’s autonomous driving will be achieved at realistic prices for consumers. The goal is availability across the model range within two vehicle generations.
Photo courtesy of Nissan (Nissan LEAF)
“Nissan Motor Company’s willingness to question conventional thinking and to drive progress – is what sets us apart,” said CEO Carlos Ghosn. “In 2007 I pledged that – by 2010 – Nissan would mass market a zero-emission vehicle. Today, the Nissan LEAF is the best-selling electric vehicle in history. Now I am committing to be ready to introduce a new ground-breaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realize it.”
Nissan is demonstrating the breadth of the capability of its autonomous drive technology for the first time at Nissan 360, a huge test drive and stakeholder interaction event being held in Southern California. Laser scanners, Around View Monitor cameras, as well as advanced artificial intelligence and actuators, have been installed in Nissan LEAFs to enable them to negotiate complex real-world driving scenarios.
Nissan’s autonomous driving technology is an extension of its Safety Shield, which monitors a 360-degree view around a vehicle for risks, offers warnings to the driver and takes action if necessary. It is based on the philosophy that everything required should be on board the vehicle, rather than relying on detailed external data. The technology being demonstrated at Nissan 360 means the car could drive autonomously on a highway – sticking to or changing lanes and avoiding collisions – without a map. It can also be integrated with a standard in-car navigation system so the vehicle knows which turns to take to reach its destination.
A revolutionary concept like autonomous drive will have implications throughout the design and construction of cars. For example, collision-avoidance by machines with the capability to react more rapidly and with more complex movements than a human driver will place new demands on the chassis and traction control. Nissan is leveraging 80 years of research and development expertise to create a complete solution for autonomous drive.
A vehicle that looks out for you
Six million crashes in the US per year cost $160 billion and rank as the top reason of death for four- to 34-year olds. And, 93% of accidents in the US are due to human error, typically due to inattention.
With Autonomous Drive Nissan has the technology today to detect and respond to the situations causing this tragedy.
In the future, Autonomous Drive also means less input from the driver; U.S. drivers average 48 minutes per day on the road — hundreds of hours a year that could be used more productively.
For the aged or those with disabilities, Autonomous Drive offers another benefit: true independence and mobility for all.
*Full list of institutions currently involved: AIST（National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Chuo University, Hiroshima University, The University of Iowa, University of Oxford, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NAIST (Nara Institute of Science and Technology), Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, Kyushu University, Keio University, Nagoya University, Shinshu University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, UC Berkeley, The University of Tokyo, University of Tsukuba, Waseda University, University of Yamanashi
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.