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 demos intelligent parking feature with an ‘intelligent parking chair’

Nope, you’re not imagining things. That office chair really is moving on its own. Nissan chose an unusual way to show off its intelligent parking feature: creating an “intelligent parking chair” that goes back to its original place with a clap of your hands.

Click to read more ...

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn believes fully autonomous driving cars will come in 4 years

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said in an interview that he believes that fully-autonomous driving will be the norm for consumer vehicles within three to four years. A number of carmakers, Nissan included, are currently in various stages of testing autonomous driving cars and technologies. 

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