Nissan

Nissan is set to support the installation of DC quick chargers at more than 100 LEAF-Certified dealers in 21 vital markets across the US.

The move comes as part of the company’s efforts to advance the expansion of EV charging and strengthen consumer awareness of the all-electric Nissan LEAF vehicle’s capability.

The new EV charging units will use the CHAdeMO standard, and will be capable of charging vehicles that have depleted to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Nissan Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy director Brendan Jones said that the company is carrying out a proactive, multi-pronged approach to expanding charging infrastructure to improve awareness of EVs and instill confidence in potential customers.

"We know that available charging infrastructure opens the doors for more Nissan LEAF sales," Jones said.

The company expects to have quick chargers installed and operational at 100 additional dealerships by 1 April 2014.

"Nissan is carrying out a proactive, multi-pronged approach to expanding charging infrastructure to improve awareness of EVs and instill confidence in potential customers."

Nissan’s charging partner AeroVironment will supply the quick chargers and provide installation services for all the quick charging units.

Nissan’s latest initiative follows a 24-dealer pilot programme launched by the company at dealerships in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Seattle, in which, the company studied the frequency of use for the chargers as well as the impact that charging has on the operations of the dealer.

Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of nearly $116.16bn in fiscal 2012.

The company delivers a wide range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands.

Nissan LEAF, introduced in 2010, is the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally.

Image: Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of nearly $116.16bn in fiscal 2012. Photo: courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.