The two organisations have embarked on joint trial operation of a roadside service vehicle equipped with a charger, as part of a  move to promote the benefits of EVs and alleviate drivers' concerns over running out of power.

JAF is deploying the roadside service vehicle with the charger from its Kanagawa branch office on a trial basis. The federation has already conducted roadside assistance training for EVs using a Nissan LEAF, including towing, at the Nissan Education Center for its staff from throughout Japan. It has also initiated related practical roadside service training across Japan using other EVs in cooperation with other automakers.

Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan's senior vice president of External and Governmental Affairs, said: 'As EVs gain wider consumer acceptance, it is important to create a roadside assistance system that can help motorists driving EVs which have run out of battery power, as well as to build a charging infrastructure. Nissan is leveraging the development and trial operation of this roadside service vehicle with charging equipment – and the accompanying staff training – to strengthen cooperation with JAF and to benefit customers. This will build confidence in EV use and contribute toward achieving a society with low carbon emissions.'