This week, Nissan Motor and Kotohira Town announced a new agreement to utilize electric vehicles, including the Nissan LEAF, as “driving storage batteries” to power evacuation centers in the event of a natural disaster. Japan is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location along the Ring of Fire, an area along the Pacific Ocean where several tectonic plates meet. This has led to the implementation of a disaster prevention budget that includes earthquake-proof buildings, alert systems, and evacuation centers.
In 2020, record-breaking rainstorms damaged over 4,000 properties in southern and central Japan, leading to mass evacuations. Last year, over eight million residents were ordered to take shelter in evacuation centers after Typhoon Nanmadol caused a level 5 alert – the highest on Japan’s disaster scale.
Nissan and Kotohira Town are now working together to ensure these facilities have power after a natural disaster strikes by providing its LEAF EV models free of charge. The EVs will also be used to supply electricity at events in town to spread the use of zero-emission electric cars even when a disaster has not happened. In addition, Kotohira Town is actively pursuing sustainable development goals (SDGs) to build a resilient city for the future.
The partnership between Nissan and Kotohira Town is an important step in helping protect the residents from climate hazards while promoting the best technology to help mitigate risks climate change can bring in the future. EVs are “driving storage batteries” and it’s time to use them to their full potential. Hopefully, this new partnership can set an example of how the benefits of electric cars go beyond zero emissions.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK and can be purchased from a variety of dealerships.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can find electric car charging stations near you by using online maps or apps such as PlugShare or ChargePoint.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular models include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
