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In a somewhat bold move, Renault-Nissan has announced that they will not continue to pursue hydrogen or hybrid technologies in the future.  Research and development programs into both hydrogen and hybrid-electrics has been discontinued and will continue instead with only pure electrics.

The bold move, says Nissan, is to facilitate not only focus on electric cars in the company, but to provide for one third of their lineup to be all-electric within a decade.  They already have three electric models planned for release by 2011, including a small van and a 5-seat hatchback.

Both GM and Honda have put working hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the road in the U.S. and many companies are working towards similar goals with hydrogen.  Renault-Nissan is bucking this trend, pushing towards “pure” EVs.

London EV Cab Fleet

Renault-Nissan has teamed with London’s greentomatocars to bring all-electric taxis to London as part of the Partnership for Zero-Emission-Mobility.  The first stage of that partnership is establishing plug-in stations around the capital city.

Currently, greentomatocars supplies for-hire Toyota Prius hybrids, but wants to replace those with all-electrics.  The first Nissan EVs are expected to begin service in 2010.

2012 London Olympics Bid

At the same time, Nissan hopes to show off some EVs for the olympic bid London is making for the 2012 Games.  In combination with special fleets for Olympics use, the greentomatocars taxis will also be on hand for the Olympics, giving Renault-Nissan a large presence during the Games.  The company is currently in talks with the mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Source: 1, 2, 3