Nov. 14, 2011—Nissan North America Inc. recently announced it partnered with Sumitomo Corp. to bring a low-cost DC quick charger for electric cars to the U.S. market.

Nissan said the new DC quick charger can support all plug-in vehicles capable of quick charging on the CHAdeMO standard, including the Nissan LEAF. The quick charger will come in two models: a version for indoor use—which is designed to accommodate fleets such as daily rental cars; and an outdoor model—which is designed for public and commercial charging uses, according to Nissan.

The DC quick charging unit retains the high performance of current quick chargers, according to Nissan. But the company said it is nearly half the size, which allows for a more compact footprint and easier installation. The charger, which operates on a 480-volt current, charges electric vehicles from a fully depleted state to an 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes.

The starting price for the charger will be $9,900, about one-third of the cost of other models currently available on the global market, according to Nissan.

"This charger is the first of its kind, and it's truly revolutionary," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America. "A low-cost DC quick charger unlocks the potential for unprecedented electric vehicle use and adoption. We anticipate thousands of these chargers will be installed across the country, enabling electric cars like the Nissan LEAF to be driven for even greater distances and durations."

AeroVironment, Nissan’s home charging station partner, will be the wholesale and retail distributor, and the provider of U.S. installation services for the DC quick charger. The first installations of the charger are planned for early 2012, according to Nissan.

Nissan and Sumitomo Corp. are taking pre-orders for the charger. An online ordering system will launch in January 2012.

For more information, visit nissanusa.com.