BMW & Nissan Team Up to Expand DC Fast-Charging Station
BMW and Nissan have joined forces with EVgo to strengthen the U.S. DC fast-charging network. In 2015, they installed 120 new dual-port 50 kW DC fast chargers across 19 states, supporting both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors.
Because of this effort, Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 drivers gained access to rapid charging in key markets. Even better, the stations are publicly accessible to all EVs with compatible plugs.
Follow-Up Expansion in 2017
Then in early 2017, they kicked it up a notch. BMW and Nissan added 174 more fast-charging stations in 33 states, bringing the total to around 668 dual-port stations. This expansion means that 90% of i3 and LEAF drivers now enjoy convenient access to fast chargers.
Bringing Confidence to EV Drivers
Each station charges at up to 80% in just 25–30 minutes—far faster than common level‑2 chargers. Because these stations are strategically located near shopping and dining areas, charging fits naturally into everyday errands.
Why It Matters
Today’s EV drivers demand reliable, fast charging infrastructure. With these partnerships, BMW and Nissan deliver. As a result, longer journeys become more feasible, and range anxiety decreases dramatically. Furthermore, this strategy opens doors for other EV brands to leverage the network.
BMW Nissan Charging Station: A Growing Network: Fast, Reliable Charging Across the U.S.
Since launching their partnership in 2015, BMW and Nissan have steadily expanded fast-charging access with EVgo. In addition to the original 120 dual-port 50 kW stations across 19 states, they added 174 more chargers in 33 states by early 2017 . As a result, the network grew to around 668 dual-port stations, supporting both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors.
Each station can boost an EV’s battery to 80% in just 25–30 minutes, which suits both busy commuters and long-distance travelers. Moreover, EVgo now operates over 1,100 fast-charging sites nationwide, with more being added through partnerships like GM’s flagship network . Today, these charging hubs sit near restaurants, shopping centers, and major highways—making EV travel smoother and more practical than ever.
(12/2015)
Sources: Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Nissan North America, BMW Group In America
2 responses to “BMW Nissan Charging Station Access for All EVs”
I can’t help but think of all the expense that could have been avoided if Nissan and BMW had just swallowed their pride and joined Tesla’s open-license Supercharger network. There is already coverage in most of the areas BMW and Nissan are planning to build chargers and the Supercharger standard is far superior in both capability and format to either CHAdeMO or CCS. Obviously, it would require BMW and Nissan to switch standards for their upcoming cars, but in 5 years when 200 and 300-mile cars are the norm, few will care about supporting current-gen leafs and i3’s with their piddly 80-mile ranges and CHAdeMO/CCS connectors.
However, if Nissan and BMW DID want to do the right thing and not abandon their early adopters, they could take the millions they were going to spend on this redundant network and develop adapters and/or upgraded charging units for their current vehicles to allow compatibility with the >100kW charging of the Supercharger network. I’m sure Tesla would help them with this.
BMW and Nissan customers get faster charging and a tiny lightweight connector and Tesla gets a big expansion boost to their network. Everybody wins.
Still, I guess it’s good that after 3+ years they’ve finally realized that an expansive DC charging network is necessary for widespread adoption of electronic vehicles.