Nissan officials at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show held Thursday outlined the Franklin-based company’s strategy for tripling the current electric vehicle quick-charging infrastructure in the United States.

Nissan plans the addition of at least 500 quick-charging stations in the next 18 months, including the greater Washington D.C. area's first fast-charge network.

Nissan and its charging infrastructure partners estimate that about 160 fast chargers are currently available for public use across the United States, and no fast chargers are available for public use in Washington D.C. Most electric vehicle (EV) drivers now rely on home charging, and having additional charging options can significantly increase their rate of EV driving.

"We envision a quick-charging network that links communities and neighborhoods where people live, work, shop and socialize," Brendan Jones, Nissan's director of electric vehicle marketing and sales strategy, said in a release. "Having a robust charging infrastructure helps build range confidence, which boosts interest in and use of electric vehicles. By improving the charging infrastructure, Nissan furthers its commitment to bringing electric vehicles to markets throughout the United States."