InsideJapan News Network

Three of Japan's biggest car manufacturers have announced they are to join forces in an attempt to set an industry standard for electric-powered cars.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy will team up with the Tokyo Electric Power Company to help make a standardised infrastructure for the construction of items such as battery chargers used to power electric vehicles, the Japan Times has reported.

Fuji Heavy corporate senior vice-president Akira Mabuchi told reporters that "one of the critical challenges to promoting electric cars will be to standardise infrastructure like the charging machines".

A number of Japanese car manufacturers have begun to embrace construction of electric cars, which are largely touted as a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Nissan recently announced its new electric model, the Leaf, due to hit the market towards the end of next year.

Mitsubishi also manufactures the plug-in i-MiEV model and Fuji Heavy is responsible for the Subaru Plug-in Stella.

Written by Kimberley Homer.