BMW and Nissan teamed up to install fast-charging stations across several states, allowing longer distance coverage of electric-maneuvered travels.
The companies hope that the move will help them in promoting increased nationwide adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
"By working with BMW to increase the number of available public quick-chargers, we are able to further enhance range confidence among EV drivers across the country," said Andrew Speaker, Nissan's director of Electric Vehicle Sales and Marketing.
At least 120 locations in the U.S. will have new electric car chargers installed. According to the two companies, these stations will be able to recharge a BMW i3 or a Nissan LEAF by up to 80 percent within 20 to 30 minutes. Moreover, drivers of other electric car models can also use the fast-charging stations so long as the cars can support any of the two connections that are found in each charger.
Each of the stations can deliver dual 50 kW fast-charging capabilities and will come equipped with SAE and CHAdeMO connectors. These chargers can be easily located with the help of an in-vehicle Navigation system or by using the i Remote App and the EZ-Charge smartphone app of BMW and Nissan, respectively.
"BMW continues to pursue new ways to support the development of a robust public charging infrastructure that will benefit current and future BMW i3 owners across the country," said Cliff Fietzek, Manager Connected eMobility, BMW of North America. "Together with Nissan, we are focused on facilitating longer distance travel so that even more drivers will choose to experience the convenience of e-mobility for themselves."
Currently, BMW and Nissan have established fast-charging stations across 19 U.S. states. These include locations such as California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
While the chargers are not free, they are at least a convenient way for drivers to recharge their vehicles.
Recent car owners have more advantages compared to early adopters. BMW offers unlimited free access to its ChargeNow DC Fast network for two years so long as consumers have purchased a BMW i3 on or after Nov. 1. This means that those who purchased prior to the said date are not qualified and are therefore expected to pay the current charging rates.
Likewise, Nissan offers a "No Charge to Charge" scheme wherein drivers can access 30 minutes of free charging on select DC fast-charging stations. The company's EZ-charge system is valid for owners in their first two years of car ownership or car lease.
