Japanese carmaker Nissan is planning to triple the number of electric vehicle (EV) fast-chargers in the US by adding 500 quick-charging stations across the country through next 18 months.
As part of the move, Nissan has also collaborated with NRG Energy and its subsidiary eVgo Network, through which about 40 eVgo Freedom Station sites will be added in the greater Washington DC region.
In addition, NRG will invest about $150m in EV charging infrastructure that allows EV drivers with access to several public fast-charging Freedom Station sites in addition to level 2 charging stations at homes, offices, multi-family communities, schools andhospitals across Texas, California and the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Nissan electric vehicle marketing and sales strategy director Brendan Jones said that the aim is to install a quick-charging network that links communities and neighborhoods where people live, work, shop and socialize.
""Having a robust charging infrastructure helps build range confidence, which boosts interest in and use of electric vehicles," Jones said.
"By improving the charging infrastructure, Nissan furthers its commitment to bringing electric vehicles to markets throughout the United States."
Nissan estimates that there are about 160 fast chargers available for public use across the US, with no fast chargers offered in Washington DC.
According to Nissan, most EV drivers currently depend on home charging, while the addition of charging options could enhance the rate of EV driving.
The installed Nissan fast chargers are aimed at offering EVs with up to an 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
"There are now about 1,500 private charging stations that exist in workplaces, allowing for what's called 'end-to-end' charging," Jones said.
"It's another way to give electric vehicle drivers more flexibility to run errands and make other stops between work and home."
