BMW Group South Africa (BMW SA) and Nissan South Africa (NSA) have signed a memorandum of agreement that will see the two vehicle manufacturers jointly plan and build a national grid for electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charging stations for use by both Nissan and BMW vehicles.
“Our introduction of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF in 2013 [in South Africa] was part of Nissan’s global drive to advance sustainable mobility and to grow the market for zero-emission vehicles. With this in mind, we believe our partnership with BMW SA is a sound investment to create a futureproof automobile industry,” says NSA MD Mike Whitfield.
BMW SA introduced its EV and PHEV models, the BMW i3 and the BMW i8, to the local market in March.
Whitfield says there is no specific rand value attached to the agreement.
He says the combined infrastructure network will probably cover the major cities, and that the agreement will see the parties work with entities such as local governments and property developers to ensure a sufficient number of charging stations.
“Charging anxiety is still a major hindrance to sales,” notes Whitfield.
NSA sold ten LEAFs in April, and BMW SA four i3s, and eight i8s.
BMW SA MD Tim Abbott believes industry-wide cooperation is the key to the future success of EVs.
“We have successfully launched the BMW i3 and i8. “A key imperative of our strategy is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is rolled out to help increase consumer confidence in the viability of EVs.
“We therefore believe that in order for the introduction and expansion of EVs as well as PHEVs to be successful in this market, we need to work together. Our partnership with Nissan is the first step towards that.”
The agreement will see BMW SA and NSA roll out direct current fast-charging stations that are equipped with both the Combined Charging System 2 used by BMW’s electric and plug-in hybrid models, and the Charge de Move system plug standards used by Nissan’s 100% electric LEAF.
The national grid of charging stations will also make use of smaller alternating current type vehicle chargers in certain regions.
In terms of the newly signed agreement, these chargers will be equipped with Type 2 sockets that allow the connection of all EVs and PHEVs.
The planning and building of a national EV charging network will be managed by a joint task team comprising executives from both manufacturers.
“By sharing expertise, ideas and challenges, BMW and Nissan will accelerate the growth and consumer acceptance of the EV and PHEV market to the benefit of the entire automotive industry,” notes Economist.co.za chief economist Mike Schüssler.
The agreement between BMW SA and NSA is effective immediately and will be in effect until 2017.