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Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 9,930
Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6
Rep Power: 10
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We will bring a smart, substantial alternative to ordinary cars – and not just one car, but a lineup of electric cars to meet a variety of customers’ needs. From small cars for cities, to minivans, to 4X4s.
We know we can make an appealing car: You can see Nissan’s passion for producing attractive, competitive vehicles demonstrated in the Cube, in the new Z, and in the Infiniti G37 Convertible that are on display at this show.
The distinction that makes Nissan’s zero-emission strategy unique goes beyond the product itself, extending beyond what we can provide on our own.
Taking this new technology to mass production will require building up the infrastructure required for its use and securing the economic conditions for success.
That is our vision and we are working aggressively to make it happen.
We have a holistic view of sustainable mobility.
We see the interdependence of the automakers… the government… and third parties in building a greener transportation system.
Introducing a zero-emission lineup is good, but it is one piece of a larger puzzle.
People want to know: “Where will I charge my EV?” “Where can I find charging stations when I am away from home?” “Is there any tax break available to make it more affordable?” “What is going to happen in the aftermarket?”
To ensure the adaption of more eco-friendly cars… to provide a good alternative for crowded city driving… to build an infrastructure that gives consumers sufficient autonomy – we need to think and develop in terms of a big-picture for the future of mobility.
The good news is, based on the conversations we have been having over the past six months, our vision is one that is shared.
Ever since we announced the Alliance’s electric vehicle plans, we have been receiving calls – not just from consumers, but from presidents, prime ministers, governors, mayors, and companies.
When we talk about bringing an automotive solution that will totally eliminate vehicle pollutants and curb dependence on oil, their immediate response is, “What can we do? What do you need from us – organization? Incentives? Infrastructure?”
Government leaders are extremely interested in the value of this prospect.
* The environmental value.
* The social and political value.
* The economic value.
One senior official told me his country now spends roughly 50 billion euros on oil, half of which is dedicated to cars.
* If he were to offer 1 to 2 billion euros’ worth of incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, he thinks the savings could amount to 5 billion euros a year.
* His country would spend less on imported oil while producing a real environmental benefit for its people and particularly with local resources.
* This is not just good politics.
* This is also good business.
So the potential of electric vehicles is very appealing, which is why countries and local governments are signing agreements with Nissan and Renault, one after another.
To date, the Alliance has agreements in Japan, Israel, Denmark, Portugal, France and in Tennessee, where our North American headquarters is located.
What are these agreements about?
We are talking about infrastructure system planning.
* For example, in Israel, customers will be able to plug their cars into charging units in any of the 500,000 charging spots located throughout the country.
* An on-board computer will guide the driver to the nearest charging spot.
We are talking to governments about shaping public policy… designating preferential parking or highway access… and approving tax credits that can put this new technology within the reach of car buyers.
* In Portugal, for instance, customers can receive tax incentives valued up to 5,000 euros when they buy an electric car.
This kind of involvement is very important.
Do we think consumers will rush to buy an electric car as soon as it is available?
* No, probably not.
* Some early adopters will jump for EVs.
* Others may look, but they may not buy without some financial incentive.
* They will look for tax breaks, for special privileges for low- or no-emission vehicles, or for a lower total cost of ownership, which electric cars will provide.
For automakers, any new technology bears significant investments, which is one reason why the Renault-Nissan Alliance is working jointly on electric cars.
Scale will be a key factor in determining the success of green cars in the marketplace.
By sharing the risk, sharing investment costs and achieving lower costs per unit, both Nissan and Renault can execute their green strategies and make cars more affordable to the mass market. We are putting in significant investments into batteries and as we master the technology, in order to benefit from scale, we are ready to share with other OEMs.
As we’re working with national and local governments, we are also talking to electric utility companies and other third parties about building networks of EV charging stations.
* You can imagine plugging your car into a charging station while you are busy grocery shopping… or watching a movie in your local theater… or just relaxing at home while your car is parked in your garage.
* Trips to a gas station could become a thing of the past.
Finally, everywhere we go, we are talking about the long-term need to boost funding for renewable energy.
* With electricity produced by the sun, wind or water or by nuclear power, the zero-emission cycle would be complete.
* In the European Union, 20% must come from renewable sources by 2020.
* Here in the United States, the percentage is much lower, but I am sure the new Administration has already expressed interest in developing additional renewable energy sources, which is encouraging.
At no time in history has there been so much interest and action focused on sustainable energy and sustainable mobility.
People are coming up with innovative ways to improve efficiency and preserve resources.
A prime example of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work hand in hand to do the right thing environmentally is represented with our newest electric vehicle partner: the state of Oregon.
Today I am pleased to announce that Nissan is working with Governor Ted Kulongoski and his administration on an electric vehicle partnership in a state that is fully committed to long-term sustainability.
We will launch our first electric vehicle in the United States in the state of Oregon in late 2010.
Oregon provides a case study of what governments can do to promote zero-emission mobility.
The Governor is providing a clear vision to leaders throughout the state, both in the public and private sectors.
In his 2009 legislative package, he is proposing replacing the $1,500 tax credit on hybrid vehicles with a $5,000 credit on all-electric cars.
The state is streamlining permits and certification to accelerate the installation of charging stations.
Oregon has issued mandates for changing over its fleet profiles – using hybrids, plug-ins and electric cars – and has won a national award for having the greenest state vehicle fleet in the country.
Portland General Electric, which is also joining the partnership, will work with the state and with other local businesses to develop an easily accessible and reliable network of charging stations.
These progressive efforts extend to counties and cities such as Portland, a city that’s a recognized leader in urban planning and innovation.
Our partners in Oregon are not waiting for a “someday” solution.
They are taking short-term actions to benefit the environment today while creating conditions that will benefit the environment for years to come.
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