Four Japanese auto giants Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi have agreed on a joint project to develop and install chargers for electric vehicles in Japan. This addresses the promotion of electric vehicle use among drivers. The Japanese government will assist the manufacturers though subsidies but they will still bear part of the cost in the installation of charging facilities.

There are three charging methods for ev’s – basic charging, destination charging, and en-route charging. Normal charging is suited for longer trips while quick charging is suited for shorter trips. Japan currently has an estimated 1,700 quick chargers and 3,000 normal chargers. The number has been deemed insufficient to boost the use of electric vehicles.

With the said agreement, the companies aim to fulfill the following:

1. Increase the number of chargers in Japan – 8,000 quick chargers and 4,000 normal chargers.  
2. Bear the initial costs for charger installation and maintenance.
3. Collaborate with current charging service providers to build a charging infrastructure network.
4. Proactively working the government and related agencies towards the aim to expand the use of ev’s and the likes.