BMW & Nissan boost EV fast-charging points in US

BMW and Nissan have partnered to expand the DC fast charger network across the U.S. with 174 new locations. 

The two automakers have been working together since late 2015 to build recharging stations in the U.S.

More recently, they have joined forced with EVgo – the largest U.S. public network of DC fast charging stations – in order to add 174 new locations in 33 states.

The new stations will bring the EVgo total to 668 fast-charging points in over 50 metro areas, with 50 more BMW-Nissan supported stations to be added during this year.

The stations are specially built for Nissan’s fleet of LEAFs and BMW’s fleet of i3s, however, the network is publicly available to all electric vehicles (EVs) with CHAdeMO or SAE Combo (CCS) connectors.

Robert Healey, Head of EV Infrastructure for BMW of North America, said: “BMW’s continuing collaborations with Nissan and EVgo, further demonstrate the company’s commitment to building a robust public charging infrastructure across the country…The expansion of the plug-in vehicle charging infrastructure will give more U.S. drivers the confidence to choose an electric vehicle, such as the BMW i3, as longer distance EV travel becomes increasingly commonplace.”

The 50 kW stations can charge EVs up to 80 per cent in about 25-30 minutes – compared a Level 2 (240V) charger, which is currently the most commonly available public charging station.

Nissan LEAF owners can locate the chargers using the Nissan LEAF EZ-Charge smartphone app while BMW i3 drivers can find charging stations with ConnectedDrive in the vehicle, using either the in-vehicle Navigation or the BMW ConnectedApp.

In addition, the EVgo charging stations are strategically located near shopping and dining establishments along convenient and popular routes.

JeSean Hopkins, Senior Manager of Nissan EV Infrastructure Strategy & Business Development, said: “Infrastructure for all is a key strategic priority for us as we continue expanding the network of dual-port quick chargers across the country. We look forward to ongoing teamwork and the continued build-out of public quick-charge stations.”  

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