In the U.S.a similar CO2 program is possible, but Nissan might need the credits itself or want to sell them to other automakers in CAFE trouble.
Nissan Motor Company in Japan today announced the launch of the Nissan Zero Emission Fund for individual electric vehicle owners in Japan that converts the amount of CO2 emissions that are offset by driving the electric Leaf to generate credits.
The credits are based on the average CO2 emitted by a gasoline-powered vehicle. The Leaf’s total annual distance traveled is automatically collected by a computer if the driver subscribes to its navigation and telematics system.
Through participation in this new program, Nissan Leaf owners will be able to generate CO2 emissions credits certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and sold to the Green Investment Promotion Organization, which promotes investment in low carbon emissions. The system calculates and certifies the amount of CO2 emissions that are avoided by driving zero-emissions vehicles. Profits earned by the sale of the credits will be invested by the fund to support the installation of quick charging facilities and Japan that need reforestation in Japan, which will be called “Leaf Forests.”
The Nissan Leaf, launched in Japan in December 2010, emits no CO2 gas when operated — unlike conventional gasoline powered vehicles, provided the electricity used to recharge it comes does not come from burning a fossil fuel. A Nissan spokesperson said there are no plans to introduce the program in the U.S.
