Vulnerability in Nissan app opens Leaf to remote hacking

It’s never a good thing to hear when cars are something you can hack into. And while this news about the Nissan Leaf doesn’t particularly target safety of the vehicle, it can still drain the battery of the EV. Security research Troy Hunt uncovered the truth that a vulnerability in the companion mobile app of the Leaf can leave the air conditioner and heater open to hackers. An attendee of a hacking workshop discovered that he could connect to his Leaf vehicle over the Internet and control some features and he could do so with Leaf vehicles that he didn’t own. It was described that he could do it “literally from the other end of the earth.”

Hunt sent the information to Nissan on January 23 and as of February 12, Nissan is said to be “making progress toward a solution.” Hunt commends Nissan for being receptive toward talking about the issue and are working on it. “They were receptive and whilst I obviously would have liked to see this rectified quickly, compared to most ethical disclosure security researchers have, Nissan was exemplary.” Nissan won’t give a specific timeframe yet for the solution to this issue.

Source: SlashGear

Nissan reports record EV sales despite drop in Leaf demand

Renault-Nissan has reported record EV sales in 2015 despite a drop in sales of its Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. Global sales of Renault-Nissan's battery-powered vehicles rose 2.5 percent to a record 84,754 last year even though there was a slowdown in demand for the Nissan Leaf, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

The Leaf is the world's best-selling EV, with more than 201,000 vehicles sold since it launched in 2010, the statement said. In total, all-time EV sales by the alliance were 302,000 at the end of 2015. The reason for buyers passing on the Leaf is that it has a shorter EV range than newer models like the Chevy Bolt EV which is expected to ship at the end of the year.

Click to read more ...

BMW and Nissan partner to create joint fast-charger network in the US

In a move that threatens Tesla’s own Supercharger network, BMW and Nissan have partnered to develop their own public network of fast-charging stations across the United States. This new DC fast-charging network is made up of 120 stations across 19 states. Each station makes use of dual 50kW DC Fast-charging station with CHAdeMO and CCS (Combo) connectors that can charge Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 vehicles. It promises that you’ll reach 80 percent charge in about 20 to 30 minutes.

But a more important point is it uses popular charger styles, which means any EV with a quick-charge port will be able to use it to charge up. LEAF and i3 drivers will be able to locate these stations using in-vehicle navigation or the i Remote app for BMW or Nissan’s EZ-Charge smartphone app. There is no word yet when the network will be completed.

Source: Mashable

Motoring: Nissan to offer 500 Leafs to Toronto fleets

Nissan Canada has committed the availability of 500 Leaf electric cars for sale to partners of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF), with initial deliveries beginning in the second half of 2011.

Click to read more ...