Japan to test Nissan LEAF technology in electric buses

Nissan’s technology, that was initially developed for the 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF, is to be implemented in an electric bus project in Kumamoto City, Japan and will begin tests in February 2018.

Led by Kumamoto University, the initiative brings together talent and expertise from the automotive industry, government and academia. Part of the university’s ongoing involvement with a Japanese Ministry of Environment project aims to reduce or eliminate CO2 and other emissions from larger vehicles such as buses. It is hoped that this will lower the cost of zero-emission public transit.

The high cost of developments and parts, including batteries and electric motors, is one of the major challenges when creating large electric vehicles. Therefore using the technology already established and perfected by Nissan reduces the cost of manufacture.

The bus, named Yoka ECO Bus, will feature three batteries, three electric motors and an inverter from the Nissan LEAF. Nissan has also said they will develop a specific gearbox for the vehicle and will continue to offer technical support.

The technology is expected to help the project achieve its aim of producing environmentally friendly buses for Japan’s public transportation system.

“We hope to improve Japan’s environment by standardising the manufacturing of EV buses with help from the know-how of automakers,” said Toshiro Matsuda, an Associate Professor at Kumamoto University and the project’s leader. “Our goal is to develop EV buses that are well-balanced in terms of being friendly to the environment and having low development costs.”

Vehicle electrification is a key part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society.