ONE of the biggest stumbling block over electric vehicle ownership is the often limited range of these vehicles and the time it takes to recharge them.

As one industry expert once said to me it takes less time to change a team of horses on a stagecoach than to fully recharge an electric vehicle.

But things are now beginning to move ahead to make the vision of a cleaner, safer and more user-friendly automotive environment a reality.

Nissan, which has its colours firmly nailed to the mast over electric vehicle development has revealed a unique project to design and develop the Fuel Station of the Future in partnership with renowned international architects Foster + Partners.

The project brings together two brands famed for their innovative, bold design and desire to challenge conventions to offer a fascinating view of how fuelling stations will adapt in a rapidly changing world.

As a leader and market expert in EV design, engineering and manufacturing, Nissan iswell placed to establish a vision for the Fuel Station of the Future. The brand recognises that the refuelling infrastructure of the future represents the perfect opportunity to integrate and engage with local environments in an innovative way - potentially providing an energy and social hub for modern communities.

The concept will be anchored at the heart of a world that is concerned with a zero-emissionssociety andwill demonstrate the host of benefits brought by a smart EV ecosystem - not just in terms of mobility, but in harnessing the potential of battery storage and vehicle-to-grid systems.

Nissan will collaborate closely with Foster + Partners over the coming months to present its vision for the Fuel Station of the Future later this year.

I await with interest to see how this vision will pan out in terms of reality and practicality.

Long lines of cars waiting on the highway for a recharge slot or a comfortable fast charge in a highly efficient auto-social hub? Time will only tell.