Electric vehicle charging stations to be implemented throughout South Africa.
Nissan and BMW have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop an electric vehicle charging grid for South Africa. Charging points will be created to support Nissan and BMW Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
The collaboration is part of Nissan’s global drive to advance zero-emission vehicles and Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa believes that the partnership “is a sound investment to create a future-proof automobile industry.”
Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW South Africa believes that industry wide cooperation is the key to the future success of electric vehicles. The necessary infrastructure is key to boosting consumer confidence in the idea of an electric vehicle alternative. This partnership between Nissan and BMW is a step towards building that infrastructure.
Direct current (DC) fast charging stations will be equipped with both the Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2) – used by BMW’s EV and PHEV models, as well as the Charge de Move system (CHAdeMO) plug standards – used by the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. The national grid will also consist of smaller alternating current (AC) type vehicle chargers, that will be equipped with the ‘Type 2’ sockets that allow for the charging of all EV and PHEV types.
The BMW i3 and BMW i8 were introduced in March this year, both receiving international recognition for their low carbon footprints and innovation. The i3 and i8 were named World Green Car of the Year in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The Nissan LEAF was named World Green Car of the Year in 2011 and was released in South Africa in 2013.
The agreement between Nissan SA and BMW SA is effective immediately and is valid until 2017.