Nissan began a field test of new mobility services on Monday as part of a partnership to promote future community building in Japan.
The partnership agreement between three local governments and eight companies aims to develop new modes of transportation, and to promote the use of renewable energy, in the Hamadori area of Fukushima Prefecture. The overall goal is to help develop a revitalized, resilient and sustainable low-carbon community.
Nissan’s involvement in the project is part of the company’s vision of enriching people’s lives and its global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Public transportation service
The field operation tests announced on Mondayt are aimed at assessing receptiveness among residents and visitors to the community. The tests include operation of an EV shuttle service that runs in a loop around the central district of Namie town at a high frequency, using roadside stations as mobility hubs. The hubs connect to other vehicles, including personal vehicles, which serve as “spokes” and are used for travel to nearby areas.
The service supports both passenger and cargo transport. It includes home delivery of packages using “spoke” vehicle such as EV taxis and utilizing Japan Post vehicles for efficient delivery, as well as roadside station pickup of purchases from supermarkets. The tests also include running an autonomous vehicle on a route around central Namie.
The long-term vision is to create sustainable transportation services that offer convenience and contribute to the economy.
Sustainable energy management
To help create a sustainable, low-carbon community, the partnership initiative includes building an energy management system that uses electric vehicles and stationary rechargeable batteries. It also aims to enhance the use of renewable energy at various facilities.
The participating companies will also use their know-how to support projects related to tourism and revitalization, aimed at creating a more attractive local community. Additionally, they plan to cooperate to make the community more resilient through the use of electric vehicles to supply power at stores and other sites during disasters.
Creating environmental and social value
As a pioneer of zero-emission vehicles, Nissan has been working to reduce CO2 emissions and create environmental and social value through the commercialization of electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
The company’s Blue Switch program promotes the use of electric vehicles to address issues related to disaster prevention, energy management, climate change and population declines in Japan. Overseas, Nissan has participated in research and the development of mobility services using automated driving technology in places such as London and China.
By using its strengths in electrification and autonomous driving technologies, Nissan aims to help realize a sustainable society where people can move and interact freely.
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