In-Charge Energy, a provider of turnkey fleet EV infrastructure solutions, is working with Nissan North America to install charging hardware and software at more than 500 dealerships across the US. The upgraded chargers are part of the automaker’s preparations for the new 2022 Ariya electric crossover, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
The infrastructure upgrades at Nissan’s dealerships are expected to be complete by the end of 2021.
The Ariya will be equipped with CCS-standard DC fast charging, rather than the CHAdeMO standard used on the Nissan LEAF.
The In-Charge team has been working closely with Nissan to identify and swap dealers’ CHAdeMO-compliant fast chargers with newer 50 kW fast chargers from ABB that can charge Nissan’s older EVs as well as the new Ariya.
In addition to the hardware upgrades, Nissan has opted to deploy In-Charge Energy’s software platform, In-Control, a fleet-focused charger management platform that allows users to digitally operate, monitor and maintain individual chargers. In-Control even allows dealers to generate reports for carbon-emission tax credit opportunities.
“Having a well-equipped dealer network is critical to a successful EV rollout,” said Cameron Funk, CEO of In-Charge Energy. “It is important that we help create a seamless experience for Nissan customers.”
“Our In-Control software is like the [Microsoft Office suite] of fleet charging,” said Krishna Vanka, Chief Product Officer at In-Charge. “This platform will allow Nissan dealers to easily keep track of their chargers’ performance, and makes it easy to submit work orders if they experience any issues.”
