Big hurdles for electric mobility

Nissan showcased a number of its environment-friendly technologies and products at its Technology Square, at Sandton City, in Gauteng, this week.

The exhibit offers the South African public a glimpse of the future, as Nissan starts ramping up international production of its first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Leaf.

While the motor trade focuses on offering more environment-friendly vehicles, the local market has yet to see a full electric vehicle. Nissan says it will continue to pursue talks with the relevant parties to bring the Leaf to SA.

With vehicle production only starting, the Technology Square only has a prototype model of the Leaf. Visitors to the stand will be able to get information on the technology behind LEAF and also witness examples of other emissions-reducing technologies from Nissan. These include demonstrations of aerodynamic efficiency, advanced engine construction and continuously-variable transmissions.

With a floor-mounted lithium ion battery pack, the Leaf can travel up to 160km on a single, eight-hour charge. Its front-mounted electric motor produces 80kW of power and 280Nm of torque.

An equivalent vehicle, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, produces 60kW and 207Nm from its electric motor, while its 1.8-litre petrol engine produces 73kW and 142Nm.

Nissan estimates an equivalent economy, based on carbon emissions from electricity production, of around one litre per 100km. The Prius hybrid has a combined cycle consumption of 4.1 litres per 100km (manufacturer rated).

In the markets where it will go on sale, Nissan has negotiated with the respective governments to offer tax incentives or subsidies to purchase zero-emission vehicles. These countries also have carbon tax programmes aimed at reducing carbon emissions through investment in sustainable energy solutions, including wind and solar power.

In Japan, the vehicle will retail at yen3 million (approximately R256 000), after a yen770 000 (R66 000) government subsidy.

Since September, South African consumers have had to pay a carbon tax on vehicles producing more than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

In an interview with etv, Johan Kleynhans, director of sales, marketing and after-sales at Nissan SA, said: “At this point in time, motorists or consumers will not derive any benefit from that tax.”

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA has said the money collected from the carbon tax is going into the general fiscus.

It is unclear whether financial or tax incentives will be offered to consumers who intend to purchase a zero-emission vehicle.

However, electric vehicles would need charging points installed at owners' homes, along with public charging points. Manufacturers are also placing emphasis on the country's inability to produce enough electricity for charging electric vehicles, considering the state of national power utility Eskom.

At the time of writing, ITWeb was unable to reach a National Treasury spokesperson to ascertain whether the government will allocate budget to invest in infrastructure for electric vehicles, or whether incentives will be offered for those who purchase vehicles that produce zero emissions.

With Leaf, Nissan hopes to attain its targets of reducing carbon emissions across its fleet by 40%, come 2015.

Supplementary technologies include traffic reduction techniques and information displays to let motorists know their carbon output while driving.

Nissan's targets are in line with what the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change has said is needed to keep carbon pollution below 450 parts per million.

The Nissan Technology Square runs until Saturday, 30 October, and is aimed at educating consumers by showcasing Nissan's top technologies, with a focus on those that reduce emissions.