# Nissan LEAF Rental Cars powered by Location Based Services

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/03/nissan-leaf-rental-cars-powered-by-location-based-services/
- Published: 2012-03-12T14:54:40-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Nissan LEAF Rental Cars Get Smarter with Location-Based Tech

Nissan Leaf rental cars is going to become a thing. For Nissan isn’t just selling
electric vehicles—it’s also making them smarter. In 2012, the company rolled out
a cutting-edge rental car program for the all-electric LEAF. But this wasn’t your
average rental fleet. Instead, Nissan equipped each LEAF with advanced location-
based services (LBS), giving drivers a smarter, cleaner, and more connected way 
to travel.

### Smarter Rentals from the Start

The program began in Japan through Nissan’s partnership with ORIX Rent-A-Car. Every
LEAF came outfitted with CARWINGS, Nissan’s proprietary telematics system. This 
in-car technology used GPS and mobile networks to deliver real-time updates on battery
range, charging station locations, and energy usage.

Because the LEAF runs 100% on electricity, range matters. CARWINGS helped renters
plan efficient routes while avoiding “range anxiety.” At the same time, it tracked
driving patterns and energy consumption to provide detailed feedback.

⌊A blue Nissan LEAF rental car parked in a lot next to a laptop displaying a map
with nearby EV charging stations.⌉⌊A blue Nissan LEAF rental car parked in a lot
next to a laptop displaying a map with nearby EV charging stations.⌉Nissan’s LEAF
rental program combines zero-emission driving with smart location-based services,
giving drivers real-time access to charging data and efficient routes.

### Eco-Friendly, Data-Driven Driving

Nissan used the rental program to gather key data from daily drivers. This data 
offered insights into EV usage patterns, charging behaviors, and urban mobility.
As a result, it helped Nissan improve future EV models and infrastructure planning.

Even better, the system encouraged efficient driving. Renters could view energy 
scores after each trip. By seeing how their choices impacted battery life, they 
drove smarter—and cleaner.

### Location-Based Innovation Expands

Nissan didn’t stop there. They expanded the LEAF rental program to other markets
while integrating smartphone connectivity and remote access features. Drivers could
pre-cool or pre-heat the car using a mobile app. They could also check charging 
progress and locate the nearest station—right from their phones.

Because of these features, Nissan set the bar for smart EV rentals. Other automakers
took notice.

### A Glimpse of the EV Future

This program was more than just a short-term rental option. It was a glimpse into
the connected, sustainable future of mobility. Nissan blended clean energy, data,
and digital tools to create a better user experience.

So whether drivers rented for a day or a week, the LEAF delivered more than zero
emissions. It delivered [confidence, intelligence, and convenience](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/100-electric-nissan-leaf-takes-historic-pikes-peak-win/)—
right from the dashboard.

_1: Nissan LEAF used as rental cars in “LEAF de Camploo – Plan”2: It is based on
handling of personal information by Nissan. For details, please visit Nissan [official website](http://www.nissan.co.jp)

Nissan LEAF [Website](http://ev.nissan.co.jp/)