SOUTH AFRICA - Nissan & BMW combine for the expansion of EV Infrastructure.

• Nissan and BMW have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
• The partnership will promote the sharing of know-how and the joint development of a charging network for electric vehicles
• The charging points will power electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV)

Nissan and BMW have confirmed today the start of a partnership, to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) in South Africa.

Nissan South Africa (NSA) and the BMW Group (BMW SA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the design and the joint construction of a national network of charging stations for EV and PHEV, designed for Nissan and BMW vehicles.

"The launch of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, which took place in South Africa in 2013, was born from the global desire of Nissan to promote sustainable mobility and expand the market of zero-emission vehicles. 

In this direction we are convinced that the partnership with BMW SA represents a solid investment to create an automotive industry future-proof co-operational deal, "said Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa .

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW South Africa, believes that the key to the future success of electric vehicles is a strong collaboration across the whole sector. 

"The launch of the BMW i3 and i8 has had an excellent response. A key imperative of our strategy is to ensure the implementation of the necessary infrastructure, in order to increase customer confidence in the effective usability of electric vehicles. 

In order for the introduction and the use of electric vehicles and hybrid-electric plug-in that they have genuine success in the market place, it is essential to work side by side: our partnership with Nissan is the first step in this direction."

The agreement between BMW SA and Nissan SA provides for the deployment of charging stations fast direct current (DC), comply with the standards both in the Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2), used for the electric and hybrid-electric plug -in BMW, both for the system Charge de Move (CHAdeMO), present in the car instead of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF.

In some regions, the national network of charging stations will also integrate shippers smaller alternating current (AC).

Under the agreement just signed, these chargers are equipped with sockets type 2, through which you can connect the EV and PHEV.

Plan and build a national infrastructure for charging electric vehicles involves a huge commitment; Once ready, the network will be managed by a special joint team, comprised of executives from both automakers.

"By sharing expertise, ideas and issues, BMW and Nissan will contribute to accelerate the deployment and adoption of EVs and PHEVs, for the benefit of the entire automotive industry. 

The two companies have shown a similar approach in the implementation of the charging network, as already realized in the creation of their electric vehicles traits futuristic, "This is the opinion of Mike Schüssler , chief economist Economist.co.zaand experienced automotive market.

BMW SA has presented its models EV and PHEV (BMW i3 and BMW i8) in March this year: both cars have been welcomed around the world, thanks to innovative technologies and emissions of carbon dioxide. In 2014, the BMW i3 was named "Green Car of the Year" by Green Car Journal, while in 2015 the BMW i8 was voted "World Green Car of the Year".

Nissan has started the initiative "zero emissions" in 2010 with the launch of the Nissan LEAF, the world's first EV produced on a large scale: thanks to its innovative design, the modern battery technology and the crucial role in creating a market for vehicles 100% electric LEAF in 2011 won the title of "World Car of the Year".Arrived in South Africa in 2013, today the 100% electric car LEAF has over 175,000 units sold worldwide.

The agreement between BMW SA and Nissan SA is effective immediately and is valid until 2017.

Translated from Italian