Five Japanese companies agreed on Monday to work together to standardize fast-charge stations for electric cars. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Limited have partnered with Japan's largest electric utility, Tokyo Electric Power Company. The group's goal is first to create a standard for Japan and then push for an international standard.
They believe that standardization will save carmakers money on development costs, increase the likelihood that governments and private entities will invest in charging infrastructure, and make electric cars more appealing to drivers. And, according to Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, the companies are excited about collaborating with their competitors:
"We will compete when it comes to vehicle performance, but we should cooperate on areas such as infrastructure."
Sounds like this is a good thing for everyone.
GREENandSAVE's LINKandLEARN:
Speaking of electric cars: American automakers are innovating too.
Speaking of Japan: Have you heard about the town of Taiji's reaction to The Cove?
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They believe that standardization will save carmakers money on development costs, increase the likelihood that governments and private entities will invest in charging infrastructure, and make electric cars more appealing to drivers. And, according to Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, the companies are excited about collaborating with their competitors:
"We will compete when it comes to vehicle performance, but we should cooperate on areas such as infrastructure."
Sounds like this is a good thing for everyone.
GREENandSAVE's LINKandLEARN:
Speaking of electric cars: American automakers are innovating too.
Speaking of Japan: Have you heard about the town of Taiji's reaction to The Cove?
And, if you like what you're reading: Sign up for the GREENandSAVE Monthly Newsletter - stories, tips, and discounts, direct to your inbox.
