July 29, 2013 – Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. jointly announced their agreement to work together to promote the installation of chargers for electric-powered vehicles (PHVs, PHEVs and EVs a.k.a. plug-in hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric and electric), and build a charging network service offering more convenience to drivers in Japan.

The partners say the move is in recognition of the “critical need to swiftly develop” charging infrastructure facilities to promote the use of electric-powered vehicles. Assisted by subsidies provided by the Japanese government, the four automakers will bear part of the cost to install the charging facilities. They will also work together to build a charging network in collaboration with companies that are already providing charging services in which each of the four automakers already have a financial stake.

Under the agreement, the four companies will launch a joint project to work on the following actions:

1. Promote installation of chargers in Japan.
2. Promote charger installation by temporarily bearing part of the installation and maintenance costs.
3. Build a charging infrastructure network enabling customers to use their PHVs, PHEVs and EVs more conveniently.
4. Work with government agencies and local governments.

(Which begs the question: Will our domestic automakers undertake a similar initiative? — Ed.)