Nissan Plans To Triple Available Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers In Washington DC

Despite the fact that the United States government is pushing hard for drivers to adopt electric vehicles and hybrids, most drivers are sticking with traditional automobiles. One of the big reasons that many drivers are staying away from electric vehicles is because the charging infrastructure in the United States is still very poor in most areas. That means that electric vehicle drivers are stuck operating their cars only within range of their home or offices where they can plug-in.

Nissan has announced it is teaming up with NRG Energy to try and triple the number of electric vehicle fast chargers in the Washington DC area. Nissan plans to install at least 500 quick charging stations in the area over the next 18 months. Nissan and its partners estimate that right now 160 fast chargers are available for public use across the United States.

Nissan says that there are no fast chargers available for public use in Washington DC. Adding more fast chargers in the Washington DC area will allow drivers to increase how much they drive their electric vehicles according to Nissan. Nissan plans to install fast chargers including a network of 40 eVgo Freedom Station sites across the city.

Each of those sites will have a Nissan fast charger able to provide EVs like the LEAF with an 80% charge in under 30 min, it's unclear if the charters will support only Nissan EVs. Nissan says that it currently operates fast charger networks in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other locations around the country. Nissan's plan will cost approximately $150 million.

[via Nissan]