BMW and Nissan Partner Again to Expand Fast-charging Network Across US

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

• An additional 174 EVgo-networked 50kW DC Fast charging stations have been installed across 33 states to facilitate easier longer distance electric vehicle travel for Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 drivers, and all EV drivers.
• EVgo is the nation’s largest public DC Fast charging operator, currently offering nearly 670 DC Fast charging stations across the U.S.
• An additional 50 dual-port DC Fast chargers are planned for 2017, through this partnership.
• Each of these publicly available charging stations offers both CHAdeMO and SAE Combo (CCS) connectors, suitable for all DC Fast charging-capable electric vehicles in the U.S.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ and NASHVILLE, TN – January 24, 2017… BMW and Nissan, two of the top EV manufacturers, have again joined forces – this time with EVgo, the nation’s largest public DC Fast charging network – to increase public access to DC Fast charging stations across the US, with an additional 174 locations in 33 states now available to all EV owners in those markets, and over 50 more planned to be installed in 2017, supported by the partnership. The breadth of EVgo’s expansive fast charging network now totals 668 dual-port DC Fast charging stations installed and available to all EV drivers across the United States, with access to new chargers continually growing. This expansion, designed to support Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 customers and to promote increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide, builds on the 120 dual-port DC Fast chargers that BMW and Nissan announced together in December 2015.

BMW and Nissan are both committed to supporting greater access to public DC Fast charging across the US, in response to increasing demand from EV drivers in a growing number of cities for access to conveniently located fast charging options – to travel even farther with ease. The list of states in which charging stations are now available on the EVgo network as part of this partnership, is noted below.*

“BMW’s continuing collaborations with Nissan and EVgo, further demonstrate the company’s commitment to building a robust public charging infrastructure across the country. We recognized early on that meaningful partnerships like this would be essential in order to support the expansion of convenient and accessible electric vehicle charging options,” said Robert Healey, Head of EV Infrastructure for BMW of North America. “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.”

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

“EVgo is delighted to expand our partnership with BMW and Nissan, and to be able to bring more loyal i3 and LEAF owners around the country access to our convenient, premium DC Fast charging services. We are constantly looking at strategic ways to expand our network and promote EV adoption to help make everyday EV use a reality for our OEM partners and their vehicle owners,” said Rob Barrosa, Vice President, OEM Strategy and Business Development at EVgo.

Each location offers a dual 50 kW DC Fast charging station with both CHAdeMO and SAE Combo (CCS) connectors, serving owners of both Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 electric cars, as well as all EV drivers in the U.S. whose vehicles - regardless of brand - are equipped with quick-charge ports. These 50 kW stations can charge EVs from Nissan and BMW up to 80 percent in about 25-30 minutes, as compared to the longer time required to recharge at a Level 2 (240V) charger, currently the most commonly available public charging station.

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

With the majority of these DC Fast chargers already installed and active, these EVgo charging stations are strategically located near shopping and dining establishments along convenient, well-traveled routes. The additional dual-port chargers being installed in 2017 as part of the expansion are also planned to be easily accessible to EV owners on the go.

With this partnership, upwards of 90 percent of BMW i3 and Nissan LEAF drivers can easily take advantage of DC Fast charging at an EVgo station nearby.

Since the launch of Nissan LEAF – the world’s best-selling electric car – Nissan has reinforced its commitment to zero-emission mobility with investments in EV charging infrastructure to serve the needs of LEAF drivers in markets across the U.S. Nissan also recently introduced the new 2017 LEAF, which comes with an EPA range of 107 miles, making it the first affordable EV to get more than 100 miles on a single charge. Nissan LEAF gets 126 MPGe city and 101 MPGe highway on S models, and 124 MPGe city and 101 MPGe highway on SV and SL trim levels. All LEAF models feature an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, providing a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience.

BMW i is focused on the development of visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design, and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The BMW i3, the first all-electric production vehicle from the BMW Group, has won numerous awards around the world and has been the standout in the electric vehicle field since its launch in 2013. Among the many awards, in 2014 the BMW i3 was selected as both World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year. In 2015, the BMW i3 was named Green Car Journal Green Car of the Year as well as Yahoo Autos Green Car. The BMW i3 electric motor was also named to that year’s list of Ward’s Auto’s 10 Best Engines. With a 170 horsepower electric motor, the 2017 BMW i3 is available with a 33-kWh lithium-ion battery, and can travel emissions free for up to 114 miles on a charge. The 360° Electric program, offering products and services to support new BMW EV and plug-in vehicle owners, and extensive investments in public infrastructure underscore BMW’s continued commitment to sustainable mobility.

*States and markets in which BMW and Nissan have installed dual-port DC Fast chargers on the EVgo network include: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

[Flying Ace]

I like how the image conveniently covered up the vast gap between St. Louis and Denver and Minnesota and Portland with images of cars and boxes to imply there's nationwide coverage...that stretch is key for cross-country travel, no?

I get it, the purpose isn't to go across country, it's to provide max coverage of cities/regions.

BTW, EvGo is expensive, more expensive for $/miles than gasoline for an average car. But that's the cost of a centralized consistent network.

[ThugzZ BunnY]

wonder where they will install these? are they at dealers or randomly in the city?

[raysspl]

Very interesting partnership

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

I like how the image conveniently covered up the vast gap between St. Louis and Denver and Minnesota and Portland with images of cars and boxes to imply there's nationwide coverage...that stretch is key for cross-country travel, no?

I get it, the purpose isn't to go across country, it's to provide max coverage of cities/regions.

BTW, EvGo is expensive, more expensive for $/miles than gasoline for an average car. But that's the cost of a centralized consistent network.

1 when you need to fill up an electric car away from home, you are desperate, so high cost is not an issue in bmws mind
2 electric car buyers should expect to be charged for the "privilege of exclusivity"

And these are among the reasons the wise shoppers are avoiding these cars like the plague

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Charging infrastructure is the biggest obstacle to any brand's mainstream electric vehicle... Tesla have understood that and have invested massively into infrastructure.

Now BMW and Nissan are collaborating, but I think the other major manufacturers need to be in that collaboration if they want to compete with Tesla.

[Murph335]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

1 when you need to fill up an electric car away from home, you are desperate, so high cost is not an issue in bmws mind
2 electric car buyers should expect to be charged for the "privilege of exclusivity"

And these are among the reasons the wise shoppers are avoiding these cars like the plague

Snooze...

Wake me up when they make great looking and fast cars over 200mi range. No cheater gas generator strapped in like a beatup ice cream truck.

Tesla is the Apple of cars. Everything else at the moment is just halfway there or not even close.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Charging infrastructure is the biggest obstacle to any brand's mainstream electric vehicle... Tesla have understood that and have invested massively into infrastructure.

Now BMW and Nissan are collaborating, but I think the other major manufacturers need to be in that collaboration if they want to compete with Tesla.

Totally agree. We love our Leaf and after my experience with my M2 will likely jump ship over to the BMW i family after a few more years. The one let down is the dismal, disorganized, unreliable, network of chargers. We do 99% of our charging at home and the vast majority of the Leaf driving is within 40 miles of the house so that we can make it home on the same charge we left on. If we are faced with a trip that will require us to charge mid-way to make it home, we take the M instead. Showing up to the only charger for miles, with 20% charge left, only to find that charger broken is a real pain. Happened to us once and only once. Wont get burned like that again!

[Murph335]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Totally agree. We love our Leaf and after my experience with my M2 will likely jump ship over to the BMW i family after a few more years. The one let down is the dismal, disorganized, unreliable, network of chargers. We do 99% of our charging at home and the vast majority of the Leaf driving is within 40 miles of the house so that we can make it home on the same charge we left on. If we are faced with a trip that will require us to charge mid-way to make it home, we take the M instead. Showing up to the only charger for miles, with 20% charge left, only to find that charger broken is a real pain. Happened to us once and only once. Wont get burned like that again!

Sounds painful. So much range anxiety. Many of these nissan, i series, chevy bolt are $40k after taxes and dealer fees.

Used tesla's can be had at $45k.

So $5k more and get a $100k driving experience makes sense to me. Never a wait, and tesla only parking at busy venues.

Ive never had to use the public ev stations but that sounds as awesome as pay phones, gas station bathrooms, city bus, metra, and the subway. Id rather pay for gas at that point LOL!

[Imola.ZHP]

And still none in Memphis!

My i3 will go back off lease never having seen a DCFC.