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Why it's difficult to accurately test the efficiency of a plug-in car

When it comes to electric vehicles and plug-ins in general, the Environmental Protection Agency-certified range is a hugely important number. While actual range anxiety is largely psychological, the magic number does provide a point of comparison of buyers considering one EV over another. The driving distance is also often touted by automakers when marketing their models. Unfortunately, as Green Car Reports finds in a recent deep dive, the way the EPA calculates the figure is a convoluted mess, and discovering the reasons why is definitely worth the read. The issue isn't about bad science but instead comes down to vague wording. The EPA's accepted range test is sourced from an evaluation called J-1634 from the Society of Automotive Engineers, and it seems to provide balanced results for vehicles that automatically reach a single state of charge when plugged in. However for models with multiple charge settings, the situation gets complicated very quickly. Of course, these modes are often created in the software, meaning that a car's certified driving distance can change with just a few taps of the keyboard without the real world results owners might experience actually changing. By showing the test's effects on the certified range for the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive over the last few years, Green Car Reports makes a compelling argument that it's the evaluation that needs to change. Thankfully, it appears that the solution is a very simple one. Get the details here.

Nissan announces 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for commercial vehicles

Nissan is a relative new-kid when it comes to the commercial van market in the US, with its commercial vehicles division only introducing the first NV vans in February 2011. But Nissan isn't letting its newcomer status keep it from challenging the established players in the segment. The company's latest shot over competitors' bows is announcing that, starting for the 2014 model year, its NV Cargo, NV Passenger and NV200 Compact Cargo vans carry a best-in-class, five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Their powertrain coverage also gets a 40,000-mile increase to five years/100,000 miles.
The new warranty is a huge leap over adversaries in the segment and should lure in some buyers looking for a longer term of coverage. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit and Transit Connect all carry a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Fords offer five years and 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, while all of the others increase that to 100,000 miles. Until this announcement, Nissan had the standard thee years of coverage, as well.
The Japanese automaker is clearly hungry to grab a bigger piece of the commercial van pie. Its heavy-duty NV vans have a relatively small 5.3 percent market share in their segment as of May 2014, according to the company's figures, but the NV200 is doing better with a 19.4 percent share. The division as a whole is on the upswing, though, with sales up 88 percent so far in 2014. With just a few years under its belt, Nissan Commercial Vehicles seems unafraid to challenge the status quo in the segment. Let's see how buyers respond. Scroll down to read the full announcement about the new warranty.

Nissan introduces new Lannia sedan in China [w/videos]

Take a good look at the vehicle you see here, because you may never see it again. That's because it was designed specifically for the Chinese market and is not likely to ever be exported far beyond its borders. It's called the Nissan Lannia, and it's the production version of the Friend-Me concept showcased two years ago in Shanghai and the Lannia concept unveiled in Beijing last year. It's a sedan targeted specifically at trendsetting Chinese buyers in their 20s and 30s, designed and developed locally by Nissan Design China and unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show. The styling bears many hallmarks of the Japanese automaker's latest design language, particularly up front with its V-shaped grille treatment and sharply shaped headlights. The C-pillar looks signature Nissan as well, but leads to what looks like rather ungainly rear proportions somewhat disguised by dynamic styling elements. Details remain few and far between, but you can bet it packs a small engine driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Introducing the All-New Nissan Lannia April 20 – Shanghai – Nissan unveiled the all-new Lannia at Auto Shanghai 2015 on Monday, a culmination of vision taking the car from concept to reality. Two years ago in Shanghai, Nissan introduced the Friend-Me Concept, followed by the Lannia Concept in 2014 at the Beijing Motor Show, and Lannia is the tangible expression of the company's commitment to China. Building on Nissan's longstanding success in the sedan market, it's the first product developed and designed for young Chinese generations, especially those in their 20s and 30s, seen as the nation's trendsetters. "Edging forward is not enough. The market in China is moving very fast, especially with the post-1980s generation," says Titus Liu, Creative Design Manager at Nissan Design China. "They do not want to stick with the status quo, so we are dedicated to finding the next great breakthrough. This is important for us." Design and development was led by Nissan Design China, backed by the Nissan Global Design Center. Lannia's styling speaks to rising Chinese who want to set themselves apart as both edgy and sophisticated, resulting in a stylish new look for a sedan that goes against conventions.