One of the biggest complaints about the electric cars that are being developed is that it takes too long for the cars to be recharged. Nissan has been working to develop a new charger that will significantly reduce that time.
Nissan, whose Leaf is one of the most popular electric cars on the market, has the necessary technology to create an electric car charger that can fully charge an electric car in about 10 minutes. This would be a significant improvement over the current eight hours it takes to charge most electric car batteries.
Nissan has been working with Japan's Kansai University on the creation of this new development. The batteries that were charged in the early testing of the new charger showed no significant effect on storage capacity or voltage.
This breakthrough not only would make it more efficient to charge an electric car, but it could also improve the sale of electric cars across the world. If consumers has the available technology to charge their cars in 10 minutes, it would make the purchase of an electric car more appealing to them.
This technology could take up to ten years to fully develop and commercialize here in the United States. However, Nissan is set to begin setting up similar chargers in Japan this November. This charger would be compatible with all of Nissan's electric vehicles as well as other vehicles produced by companies like Honda or Toyota.
While it may take a great amount of time before we see this type on technology in the United States, it is still refreshing to know that developments and progress are being made today.
Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Nissan Offers Interactive Shopping for Smartphone Users with the Quick Response Code
They have become hottest craze in a society dominated by smart phones: The Quick Response Codes. You scan them in the same way you would at the grocery store. They have been used for coupons, contests, and now, for information on the new line of Nissan Cars.
By using the Quick Response (QR) code, Nissan will give consumers an enhanced interactive customer shopping experience. There will be a sticker on individual car windows that will put information at shopper’s fingertips, as well as help sales personnel make a more effective presentation.
Some of the information that is available through the QR codes include: Specific vehicle information, video based product overviews, image galleries, dealer inventory, and even a request for a quote.
The QR also provides consumers with a “silent salesperson if they are on the lot after hours. It is a mass marketing effort by Nissan who has pledged to bring innovation to every aspect of the vehicle design, buying, and ownership experience.
Initial testing was done on the early 2012 Nissan Altima and the results are extremely encouraging all future 2012 releases will be equipped with the QR code.
In a world where Smartphone’s are quickly becoming the norm, it should come as no surprise that the automotive industry is jumping on the bandwagon. The Quick Response code has proven to be a beneficial tool for Nissan. The real question remains: What’s next?
By using the Quick Response (QR) code, Nissan will give consumers an enhanced interactive customer shopping experience. There will be a sticker on individual car windows that will put information at shopper’s fingertips, as well as help sales personnel make a more effective presentation.
Some of the information that is available through the QR codes include: Specific vehicle information, video based product overviews, image galleries, dealer inventory, and even a request for a quote.
The QR also provides consumers with a “silent salesperson if they are on the lot after hours. It is a mass marketing effort by Nissan who has pledged to bring innovation to every aspect of the vehicle design, buying, and ownership experience.
Initial testing was done on the early 2012 Nissan Altima and the results are extremely encouraging all future 2012 releases will be equipped with the QR code.
In a world where Smartphone’s are quickly becoming the norm, it should come as no surprise that the automotive industry is jumping on the bandwagon. The Quick Response code has proven to be a beneficial tool for Nissan. The real question remains: What’s next?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Nothing like a Little Competition: the Leaf & the Volt
It seems that nothing can go wrong for either the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Volt. No matter the ebb and flow of sales and production, both brands remain continuously optimistic, pledging that the future is bright for electric vehicles.
But no matter the apparent confidence of either Nissan or Chevrolet, the facts tell another side of the story.
From January of 2011 to June, Nissan sold 3,875 Leafs while the Volt’s sales numbers teetered off at 2,745. However, there is more to this reality than sales figures alone.
Because General Motors is currently expanding and updating the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant where the Volt is produced, not one Volt was built in the month of June. Production is planned to resume in mid-July but the Volt will not be widely available again until August. As of now, only 200 models are available for purchase in the United States.
Certainly this lull in production is a great opportunity for Nissan to take advantage of. As such, Nissan is planning on pumping out six to seven thousand Leafs by the end of the summer, hoping to secure its lead.
Keeping with the brother/sister mentality, Chevrolet has planned an offensive. Since summer sales for the Volt will be minimal, Chevrolet plans to use its new and improved assembly plant to supply 16,000 Volts by the end of 2011.
But estimated production numbers and 2011 sales figures cannot predict the future. It was not too long ago that Nissan was dealing with slowed production due to the March earthquake in Japan, sinking to the number two spot. But they recovered and eventually secured the lead. The Leaf is the more affordable of the two, but the Volt offers a backup gasoline system in addition to its electric battery, a more comforting set-up for consumers than electric alone.
From their short six months of production and sales, these electric vehicles have constantly been on opposite sides of the ring. There is not straddling the fence: either you are a Volt person or a Leaf person. Surely in the future, the electric car will become more mainstream and this rivalry will be diminished. Until then, the Volt/Leaf competition lives on.
But no matter the apparent confidence of either Nissan or Chevrolet, the facts tell another side of the story.
From January of 2011 to June, Nissan sold 3,875 Leafs while the Volt’s sales numbers teetered off at 2,745. However, there is more to this reality than sales figures alone.
Because General Motors is currently expanding and updating the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant where the Volt is produced, not one Volt was built in the month of June. Production is planned to resume in mid-July but the Volt will not be widely available again until August. As of now, only 200 models are available for purchase in the United States.
Certainly this lull in production is a great opportunity for Nissan to take advantage of. As such, Nissan is planning on pumping out six to seven thousand Leafs by the end of the summer, hoping to secure its lead.
Keeping with the brother/sister mentality, Chevrolet has planned an offensive. Since summer sales for the Volt will be minimal, Chevrolet plans to use its new and improved assembly plant to supply 16,000 Volts by the end of 2011.
But estimated production numbers and 2011 sales figures cannot predict the future. It was not too long ago that Nissan was dealing with slowed production due to the March earthquake in Japan, sinking to the number two spot. But they recovered and eventually secured the lead. The Leaf is the more affordable of the two, but the Volt offers a backup gasoline system in addition to its electric battery, a more comforting set-up for consumers than electric alone.
From their short six months of production and sales, these electric vehicles have constantly been on opposite sides of the ring. There is not straddling the fence: either you are a Volt person or a Leaf person. Surely in the future, the electric car will become more mainstream and this rivalry will be diminished. Until then, the Volt/Leaf competition lives on.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Nissan Is New York City’s Choice for “Taxi of Tomorrow”
Starting in 2013, the Nissan NV 200 will become the exclusive new taxi for New York City. Following the discontinuation of the Ford Crown Victoria, Nissan squared off against two other finalists: a truck from Turkish maker Karsan and a taxi version of Ford’s Transit Connect. In the end, the NV 200 was picked by the Taxi and Limousine Commission and awarded the 10-year, $1 billion contract to provide New York with thousands of taxis.
The Nissan NV 200 taxi will have many exciting features that will provide passengers with the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient cab that they have ever encountered. These features include:
• A transparent roof panel that will provide a unique view of the city’s skyscrapers.
• Overhead reading lights and floor lighting
• A mobile charging station with a 12V outlet and two USB plugs
• Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control
• A “low annoyance horn” with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking.
• Independent control of the rear AC and a special air filter to improve cabin air quality
Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares states, “The NV 200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”
With the combination of very unique and fuel efficient features, the Nissan NV 200 will provide its citizens and visitors of New York City with a new and exciting view of one of the greatest cities in world.
The Nissan NV 200 taxi will have many exciting features that will provide passengers with the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient cab that they have ever encountered. These features include:
• A transparent roof panel that will provide a unique view of the city’s skyscrapers.
• Overhead reading lights and floor lighting
• A mobile charging station with a 12V outlet and two USB plugs
• Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control
• A “low annoyance horn” with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking.
• Independent control of the rear AC and a special air filter to improve cabin air quality
Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares states, “The NV 200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”
With the combination of very unique and fuel efficient features, the Nissan NV 200 will provide its citizens and visitors of New York City with a new and exciting view of one of the greatest cities in world.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Nissan Versa Saves Big
So many times the only things we consider in our new car purchase are: price, interest rate, and fuel consumption. But what about all of the other hidden costs that go into owning car? Getting a great deal on that brand new Hyundai Sonata might sound like a great idea now but then you have to insurance, maintenance costs, repairs, and for the really money savvy the cost of depreciation.
Yahoo! Recently put together a list of the top ten cheapest cars to own. Their 5-year ownership cost includes 5 years of fuel and 5 years of insurance at national averages. They did not, however, add in the cost of repairs and maintenance to the total but these figures are available in the original article for each model.
Model: Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4Dr
MSRP: $10,922.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,233.00
Model: Hyundai Accent GL 2Dr Hatch
MSRP: $9,677.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,715.00
Model: Chevy Aveo5 LS 4Dr Hatch
MSRP: $11,038.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,958.00
Rounding out the top 10 are the Ford Fiesta S 4Dr ($28,402.00 5-Year Total), Mazda2 Sport 4dr Hatch ($28,593.00), Toyota Yaris 4dr ($28,616.00), Kia Rio 4Dr ($29,157.00), Kia Soul 4Dr Hatch ($29,275.00)Honda Insight 4dr Hatch ($29,953.00), and the Ford Focus S 4Dr ($30,290.00).
All of these make great commuter and entry-level vehicles. Except for the Versa, Accent, and Aveo, the other 7 come standard with most of the latest safety features including side curtain airbags, ABS and stability.
Overall each of these 10 models keep repair cost over the 5 year period to around $1,500 (or about $300/year) and standard maintenance costs between $1500 and $2000.
Keeping in mind that costs will vary based on your location, these vehicles offer everything you could ask for in an entry level vehicle, while keeping more money in your pocket.
Yahoo! Recently put together a list of the top ten cheapest cars to own. Their 5-year ownership cost includes 5 years of fuel and 5 years of insurance at national averages. They did not, however, add in the cost of repairs and maintenance to the total but these figures are available in the original article for each model.
Model: Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4Dr
MSRP: $10,922.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,233.00
Model: Hyundai Accent GL 2Dr Hatch
MSRP: $9,677.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,715.00
Model: Chevy Aveo5 LS 4Dr Hatch
MSRP: $11,038.00
5-Year Total Ownership Cost: $26,958.00
Rounding out the top 10 are the Ford Fiesta S 4Dr ($28,402.00 5-Year Total), Mazda2 Sport 4dr Hatch ($28,593.00), Toyota Yaris 4dr ($28,616.00), Kia Rio 4Dr ($29,157.00), Kia Soul 4Dr Hatch ($29,275.00)Honda Insight 4dr Hatch ($29,953.00), and the Ford Focus S 4Dr ($30,290.00).
All of these make great commuter and entry-level vehicles. Except for the Versa, Accent, and Aveo, the other 7 come standard with most of the latest safety features including side curtain airbags, ABS and stability.
Overall each of these 10 models keep repair cost over the 5 year period to around $1,500 (or about $300/year) and standard maintenance costs between $1500 and $2000.
Keeping in mind that costs will vary based on your location, these vehicles offer everything you could ask for in an entry level vehicle, while keeping more money in your pocket.
Monday, December 27, 2010
2011 Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most coveted awards in the auto industry. This year’s winners will be announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11, 2011.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Popular Cars by Region
What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
Friday, October 29, 2010
Electric Cars Are (Almost) Here
After hearing about them for years, the time has come for two of the largest auto manufacturers to begin rolling out electric cars. Nissan and General Motors are ready to introduce plug-ins by the end of 2010, and several other automakers, including Toyota and Ford, have announced plans to launch electric cars in 2011.
Now I know electric cars are eco-friendly and budget-friendly, as they eliminate the cost of fuel, but I must admit the idea scares me. I was the proud owner of an electric Barbie car as a child, and I still have vivid memories of waiting hours for my car to charge, only to have it run for 30 minutes and leave me stranded on the sidewalk. So when I heard that we would be seeing plug-ins before the end of the year, I decided to do some research to answer some FAQ and ease my fears.
1. How far can you travel before charges?
Depends on the car, but the range is 50 to over 200 miles. The Nissan Leaf will be able to travel up to 100 miles when fully charged.
2. How long will it take to charge?
Rapid charging can charge a battery in 30 minutes. However, the Nissan Leaf will take up to 8 hours to fully charge a dead battery.
3. Where do you charge?
Currently, electric owners are expected to do 80% of charging at home, especially overnight. There are public charging stations in some parking garages and shopping centers. Soon Charging systems will be installed in Best Buy parking lots, and BP and ARCO stations. The Obama Administration has set a goal to have 20,000 charging stations installed nationwide by 2012.
4. What kind of special maintenance do electric cars require?
Electric cars do not require oil changes or tune-ups, and they have 1/10 as many parts as gas cars, so maintenance is relatively easy. The battery will need to be checked often, and may need to be watered. The connections will need to be kept clean and tight, and tires checked.
5. How fast can electric cars travel?
Depends on the car, but most can reach 55-65 mph and some may reach 85-90 mph
Now I know electric cars are eco-friendly and budget-friendly, as they eliminate the cost of fuel, but I must admit the idea scares me. I was the proud owner of an electric Barbie car as a child, and I still have vivid memories of waiting hours for my car to charge, only to have it run for 30 minutes and leave me stranded on the sidewalk. So when I heard that we would be seeing plug-ins before the end of the year, I decided to do some research to answer some FAQ and ease my fears.
1. How far can you travel before charges?
Depends on the car, but the range is 50 to over 200 miles. The Nissan Leaf will be able to travel up to 100 miles when fully charged.
2. How long will it take to charge?
Rapid charging can charge a battery in 30 minutes. However, the Nissan Leaf will take up to 8 hours to fully charge a dead battery.
3. Where do you charge?
Currently, electric owners are expected to do 80% of charging at home, especially overnight. There are public charging stations in some parking garages and shopping centers. Soon Charging systems will be installed in Best Buy parking lots, and BP and ARCO stations. The Obama Administration has set a goal to have 20,000 charging stations installed nationwide by 2012.
4. What kind of special maintenance do electric cars require?
Electric cars do not require oil changes or tune-ups, and they have 1/10 as many parts as gas cars, so maintenance is relatively easy. The battery will need to be checked often, and may need to be watered. The connections will need to be kept clean and tight, and tires checked.
5. How fast can electric cars travel?
Depends on the car, but most can reach 55-65 mph and some may reach 85-90 mph
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Health & Well-Being Concept for New Nissan Cars
Nissan is working on an idea for their vehicles that will give both drivers and passengers the perfect in-car environment. They are calling their project the “Health and Well-Being Concept” and its goal is to help reduce stress and driver fatigue by providing the occupants of the car with a more comfortable posture, a comfortable thermal environment and good cabin air quality. Three features are part of the concept to make these goals attainable.
The first feature is a more comfortable driver and front passenger seat. The seats include a cushion integrated leg rest, an articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads. The hope is that the new seats will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.
The second new feature is an addition to a normal climate control system. Nissan's new concept climate control system has three devices aimed at improving air quality. The first new device is a plasmacluster ions generator. This system is basically vitamin C being pumped into the air. The vitamin C will reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels in the vehicle. The vitamin C ions can also help moisturize skin. The other two devices are inside/outside air control and a grape polyphenol clean air filter.
The third and final feature is the quick comfort seat heater. This seat heater has two stages of operation; in the first stage the heater warms the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, the second stage warms the lower back. These two operations decrease the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% and creates a longer sense of comfort.
These new features part of the Health and Well Being Concept are just the beginning. We'll all just to wait and see what else Nissan develops to make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
The first feature is a more comfortable driver and front passenger seat. The seats include a cushion integrated leg rest, an articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads. The hope is that the new seats will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.
The second new feature is an addition to a normal climate control system. Nissan's new concept climate control system has three devices aimed at improving air quality. The first new device is a plasmacluster ions generator. This system is basically vitamin C being pumped into the air. The vitamin C will reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels in the vehicle. The vitamin C ions can also help moisturize skin. The other two devices are inside/outside air control and a grape polyphenol clean air filter.
The third and final feature is the quick comfort seat heater. This seat heater has two stages of operation; in the first stage the heater warms the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, the second stage warms the lower back. These two operations decrease the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% and creates a longer sense of comfort.
These new features part of the Health and Well Being Concept are just the beginning. We'll all just to wait and see what else Nissan develops to make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
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