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Nissan's Ultimate Smart BBQ e-NV200 is crowd-funded fun in Japan

When the weather starts warming up, expect the grills to start heating up. A Japanese company is trying to get a jump on the higher temperatures with a crowdfunding campaign for a Nissan e-NV200 with a full kitchenette and many more bizarre features hidden inside. The company calls it the Ultimate Smart BBQ Vehicle. More than just a rather bizarre video, a crowdfunding site is hosting a project to actually hold parties around Japan with this Nissan. The goal is to raise 1 million yen (about $8,500 at current rates), and it has about 180,000 yen ($1,500), as of this writing. A pledge of at least 30,000 yen ($250) gets you and a friend invited to one of these events. However, if you really need the Ultimate Smart BBQ Vehicle, then 25 million yen ($208,500) buys it outright. This van is designed to be an emissions-free party machine. Sliding out of the rear is a 1,500-watt electric grill complete with a rotisserie, and there's even a sink for washing dishes. A full disposal system even helps with cleanup afterwards. Beyond just a place to do some outdoor cooking, this e-NV200 is outfitted with practically everything necessary to host some festivities. An ultrasonic mosquito barrier should keep the bugs away, and a water mister also helps keep guests cool. When it starts getting dark, there's a smartphone-linked screen on the side to display pictures or movies, and the setup even doubles as a karaoke machine. Likely the weirdest feature, though, is a deployable drone that can take pictures of your shindig. Our Japanese language skills are limited to counting from one to ten and asking what time it is in Tokyo right now, so it's hard to really suss out all the details. But from a Q&A at the bottom of the page (translated by our friends at Google Translate), it appears you have to be a Japanese resident to donate. And the site doesn't take American Express. If anyone knows how to read Japanese and wants to tell us more, please comment below. Because now we're hungry and want some yakitori.

Nissan recalling 2012-14 Frontier pickups over fire risk

Nissan is recalling its Frontier pickup over fire concerns, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bulletin. A total of 13,535 vehicles are being recalled, all from the 2012 to 2014 model years, built between November 28, 2012 and December 27, 2013.
The NHTSA report states that "in the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar." If this happens, it's possible that "the bolt may wear though the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short," NHTSA states. In the event of an electric short, a fire may occur.
The official recall will begin in March, where Nissan dealers will inspect the circuit breaker for the correct orientation, and if necessary, repair the vehicles, free of charge. Scroll down for the full NHTSA bulletin.

Recharge Wrap-up: Aoxin Ibis could be Tesla competitor in China, Nissan Qashqai ZEOD due this year

Zero Motorcycles is expanding its North American dealer network. With more retailers selling the electric motorcycles, Zero has added three new regional sales directors. "We are enjoying a great response to our 2015 line of motorcycles and accessories, and it's driving accelerated growth," says Zero's Mike Cunningham. "To support and sustain this momentum, we are investing in a bigger, stronger team and partnering with leading motorcycle retailers." More sellers are getting on board as electric motorcycles appear more and more viable, and they're finding it's bringing in a new set of enthusiastic customers. Zero recently revamped its production process to meet the expected increase in demand for 2015. Read more in the press release, below. Chinese automaker Aoxin New Energy, has built an electric car that is set to compete with the Tesla Model S. The aluminum and carbon fiber Aaoxin Ibis (pictured) is longer than the Model S, but weighs less than the Tesla at 4,034 pounds. It offers 181 horsepower and has a top speed of only 94 miles per hour, but it boasts a driving range of about 285 miles per charge. Its upscale interior borrows its looks from the Tesla, with its digital gauges and large, central touchscreen. Read more at Car News China, or at Green Car Reports. Nissan will likely debut a Qashqai ZEOD concept later this year. The plug-in hybrid version of the compact crossover borrows its ZEOD moniker - which stands for Zero Emissions On Demand - from Nissan's hybrid Le Mans racer. It's possible it will borrow its powertrain technology from the Renault Eolab Concept, which could mean a 1.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor. Based on the success of the Qashqai in Europe, it's not unlikely that the plug-in version will debut there (Green Car Reports is betting on Frankfurt). Read more at Green Car Reports. Zero Motorcycles Expands North American Network Strong Demand Fuels Double-Digit Dealer Growth and Additions to Sales Team SANTA CRUZ, Calif., March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, announced today that three new regional sales directors have been added to the company's roster in the first quarter of 2015. The expansion of the sales team comes in response to rapid growth within the dealer network and reflects Zero's commitment to delivering world-class products and service.