In an attempt to jump start interest in its plug-in electric vehicles, Nissan today announced plans to add at least 500 quick-charging stations throughout the U.S.
"Having a robust charging infrastructure helps build range confidence, which boosts interest in and use of electric vehicles," said Brendan Jones, Nissan's director of electric vehicle marketing, in a statement.
Nissan's strategy includes bringing the first fast-charge network to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which will include 40 stations capable of bringing a Nissan Leaf up to an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes, according to Nissan.
Nissan will partner with NRG Energy in the operation of these quick-charging stations. NRG Energy currently operates fast chargers in Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and plans on adding more networks to San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Joaquin Valley.
"It's another way to give electric vehicle drivers more flexibility to run errands and make other stops between work and home," said Nissan's Jones.
