Automotive

Telenor Connexion to provide remote battery monitoring and AC control for Nissan LEAF

Telenor Connexion to provide remote battery monitoring and AC control for Nissan LEAF
Telenor Connexion is the European provider for wireless connectivity of the Nissan LEAF
Telenor Connexion is the European provider for wireless connectivity of the Nissan LEAF
View 1 Image
Telenor Connexion is the European provider for wireless connectivity of the Nissan LEAF
1/1
Telenor Connexion is the European provider for wireless connectivity of the Nissan LEAF

Nissan has announced that its CARWINGS Information and Communication Technology system (ICT) for EVs will come as standard with the Nissan LEAF in the U.S. and Europe. The system, which allows users to use a mobile phone or PC to remotely check their electric vehicle’s status and control some onboard systems at any time – even when the vehicle is switched off – has been available to Japanese customers since 2007. While it hasn’t been revealed who will provide the wireless connectivity for the system in the U.S., the company has confirmed Telenor Connexion has been chosen as the European connectivity supplier for the vehicle.

Telenor Connexion will be responsible for providing the connection between the LEAF’s onboard transmitting unit and Nissan’s CARWINGS Data Center over a private network. Through the connection, users will have access to their LEAF’s battery status and range, be able to turn on the vehicle’s air conditioning and set charging times in off-peak periods. With climate control one of the biggest drains on an EV’s batteries, the ability to remotely pre-heat or cool the vehicle while it is plugged in is one of the major benefits of the system. Meanwhile, the ability to set charging times during off-peak times is designed to keep electricity bills down.

The first delivery of a Nissan LEAF in the U.S. took place earlier this month and sales of the vehicle in Europe are set for early in 2011. The first European deliveries will be to Portugal, Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.

4 comments
4 comments
AlexBizzar
Why do all of these \"green\" cars have such ugly design?! Are we all doomed to look like panzys in the future? I completely applaud the change of our ways and treating our Earth better, but give me a design that didn\'t come from Elton John\'s garage. Tesla makes some great designs (granted it\'s based off of a Lotus frame... but still), lets shoot for designs like that.
Terotech
I find nothing wrong with the design of the \'Leaf\', let\'s face it, acceptance or otherwise of beauty is purely subjective, but there again, as a \'hetero\', I have no worries about my orientation!
Adrian Akau
I agree with Alex that the external design could be much improved but am thankful that the vehicle is now in production and on the way to waiting customers. Remember that the frame was basically a converted ICE. I am sure the future outside shape will be greatly improved; three other models being planned for the LEAF but no drawings have yet been posted. The electronics appear to be excellent.

According to the person in charge, the batteries will be manufacture in Symerna (I don\'t know if I spelled it right) in the South Eastern part of the US. The same robotic system used at Nissans plant will be set up there. The capacity is stated to be 100,000 units per year once the factory is up and running.
Matt Rings
Many green cars will be more \"form following function\" (with function of aerodynamic Cd and manufacturing cost).