ESCI KSP

Smart Transportation

ST-3.2 Electromobility Road Map

Yokohama Mobility “Project ZERO”

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and the city of Yokohama jointly embarked on Yokohama Mobility “Project ZERO”, a 5-year project aimed at achieving zero-emission mobility following a joint study completed in November 2008.

The Project uses a total-management approach to address the issue of zero-emission mobility. It adopts a zoning system that designates the city’s central district as a “Zero Carbon” zone, which extends into the “Low Carbon” periphery areas. As of 2009, the Yokohama Mobility Project Zero had the following scope:

  1. Measures to promote Eco-Drive Management System (EMS).
    • Promote wider adoption of eco-driving by utilizing the Nissan Carwings eco-driving service.
    • Propose carbon-offset programs to allow drivers to offset the CO2emitted.
  2. Study of route navigation systems to alleviate traffic congestion.
    • Conduct a quantitative study of the impact of the fastest-route guidance system—Dynamic Route Guiding System (DRGS)—to alleviate traffic and reduce CO2.
    • Establish an online Route Planning tool that allows drivers to plan their journeys ahead with important information such as estimated commute time, cost and carbon footprint.
  3. Measures to promote mass acceptance of electric vehicles
    • Establishment of an electric-charging network: Build a network of charging stations at public parking areas. Engage private sectors to invest in electric-charging units (100 units). Nissan to set-up electric-charging units at its Yokohama global headquarters, dealerships and facilities.
    • Subsidy for EV purchases: Offer a subsidy to customers. In 2008 Yokohama offered 300,000 yen per car. Offer reduced rates or exemption for EV parking. Convert Yokohama municipality’s vehicle fleet into EVs.
    • Study the need for change in regulatory laws to promote mass acceptance of EVs.
    • Implement EV educational programs to raise public awareness.
  4. Quantitative study on the positive impact of the Project to the environment, in collaboration with Tokyo University, and public education campaign.
    • Measure the impact of traffic congestion management on CO2 emission
    • Establish an Eco Mobility web portal to assist drivers
    • Conduct an EMS campaign at the ‘Eco Car World’ in conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of the Port of Yokohama
    • Study urban mobility planning to support absolute zero emission transportation system that connects zero emission vehicles, including EVs and bicycles, to public transport systems.
      • Set up a research consortium with Japan Society of Traffic Engineers.
      • Pilot multi-platform sharing system for zero-emission transportation.
      • Pilot an eco-transport point system to provide incentives to drivers.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment. Sign up here.