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Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors unveil light EVs for Japan

KURASHIKI, Japan — Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Nissan Motor Co unveiled their first jointly developed light electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to draw more Japanese drivers to battery-powered cars by offering low-priced micro models. The two Japanese automakers, part of an alliance with French carmaker Renault SA, were once considered trailblazers in Japan's EV market but have struggled to attract customers and face challenges from fast-growing newcomers such as Tesla. "I'm confident that (the new vehicles) representing the alliance will be a game changer for electric vehicles in Japan," Nissan Chief Executive Officer Makoto Uchida said at an unveiling of the new models in the western Japan city of Kurashiki. The automakers are hoping to leverage their presence in Japan's unique market for micro "kei" cars, which account for nearly 40% of cars on the road in Japan. The three companies' alliance early this year detailed a five-year plan to invest $26 billion on EV development, including kei cars. Nissan, which produces the Leaf and the Ariya electric vehicles, will offer its first light EV, the Sakura, starting at about 1.78 million yen ($13,891) after factoring in a government subsidy, and with a range of 180 km (112 miles). Mitsubishi Motors, maker of i-MiEV electric cars, will release the "eK cross EV" starting from about 1.85 million yen including the subsidy, also with a range of 180 km. Both automakers said they would start selling their new line-up of electric "kei" cars this summer. "People who used to think that EVs are too expensive will become a little more interested in EVs and will be willing to give them a try," said Riho Suzuki, Nissan regional product manager. ($1 = 128.1400 yen) (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Edmund Klamann) Green Mitsubishi Nissan Hatchback Economy Cars Electric

Recharge Wrap-up: Eigg's renewable energy grid, Wulin City Car EV looks like i3

Scotland's Isle of Eigg's electrical grid relies solely on wind, hydro and solar power. It's the first grid of its kind after switching to renewable energy from noisy, unreliable diesel generators. Scotland's renewable resources are fodder for supporters of independence form the UK, and Eigg is a perfect example of that potential. Besides being a responsible community, it also seems like a lovely place to visit. Read more at Reuters. London Mayor Boris Johnson is calling for incentives for diesel vehicle scrapping. The goal is to improve London's air quality, encourage the purchase of clean vehicles and offset the inconvenience of charging diesel cars to enter the city's proposed Ultra Low Emissions Zone. Read more at Green Car Congress or in the press release below. BMW, Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen are teaming up to create a better EV charging infrastructure in the UK and Ireland. As part of the Trans-European Transport Network (T-ENT) program, the group aims to create extended EV-friendly roadways with the UK Rapid Charge Network, connecting major cities on the islands. Plans for the network include 70 rapid chargers along 684 miles of road. The four manufacturers also want to extend the project to mainland Europe to encourage the adoption of EVs. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Wuling is working on an EV, called City Car, which liberally takes visual cues from the BMW i3. The City Car EV concept is slated to make its debut in November at the Guangzhou Auto Show, while a production version could make its way onto Chinese roads next year. We might have to wait until the debut to know what powers the City Car, as those details haven't been released yet. General Motors is a 43-percent stakeholder in Wuling. Read and see more at Car News China. Taxi customers in New York will enjoy greater payment flexibility with the new interoperability between RideLinQ and Way2ride apps. Now customers will be able to use either app to pay in any of the city's 20,000 green and yellow taxis. There's no need for separate apps for separate cabs, and no need for drivers to install any new equipment. The groups behind the apps hope to expand this functionality to other cities across the country. Read more in the press release below.

Full 2015 Chevy City Express details revealed

If you're thinking, "hey, that looks familiar..." you aren't alone. We've already seen photos of the 2015 Chevrolet City Express van. And before that, we've already learned everything there is to know about the Nissan NV200 upon which its quite obviously based. Now, though, the City Express is holding its official coming out party at the Chicago Auto Show, and we finally have the official details about what'll hopefully make this van attractive to work-minded buyers.
To no one's surprise, the City Express doesn't offer any mechanical differentiation from its Nissan equivalent. Power comes from a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a continuously variable transmission. Of course, the purpose of the City Express is less about what's under its hood and more about what it can haul in its capacious cargo area. Chevrolet says the front passenger seat can fold flat to create a work space or accommodate longer objects in the cargo bay, there's a center console designed specifically for maximum storage capability and both sides of the van have sliding doors. In addition, there are a plethora of integrated cargo mounts, floor-mounted D-rings and roof rack mounts throughout the vehicle.
Visually, Nissan's NV200 has never exactly been a handsome thing to begin with, and this City Express doesn't really tweak it for the better - to our eyes, it might even be less attractive. Even the design of the 15-inch wheel covers have been left alone, though the Chevy shown here appears to wear chrome-finished units.