JX Nippon Oil opens EV charging facilities at 18 affiliate stations

In early January, JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. began providing a fixed-fee electric vehicle (EV) charging service in several affiliated gasoline stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The move is in response to the growing popularity of vehicles that are both fuel efficient and environment friendly. The company now provides quick-charging services for electric vehicles at 18 affiliated gas stations. JX Nippon Oil said it will collaborate with Idemitsu Kosan Co., Cosmo Oil Co. and Showa Shell Sekiyu KK regarding a feasibility experiment that will provide charging services based on membership systems. Three other companies are set to begin fixed-fee charging services. Last November, Toyota Motor Corp. and several companies announced plans to set up a joint venture for EV charging services. (January 12, 2012)