Automakers have responded to consumer concerns about the future of electric vehicles (EVs) by forming a coalition to create a fast-charging network for EVs. The coalition, consisting of BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV, plans to establish the first charging stations in the U.S. by the summer of 2024, with stations in Canada to follow. However, it is notable that Ford and Volkswagen Group are not part of the founding members list.
The joint venture will operate independently from the automakers, retaining equal rights. More details regarding the organizational structure will be announced in the future, with the establishment of the joint venture expected to occur in 2023, pending regulatory approval.
The goal of the coalition is to install at least 30,000 fast chargers across urban and highway locations, focusing on reliability, integration, speed, and amenities. The aim is to create the leading network of reliable fast chargers in North America. Each charger will have a minimum power of 350 kW and will include both CCS and Tesla’s NACS connectors. The charging stations will also feature amenities such as canopies, restrooms, and nearby or on-site food service or retail operations, similar to gas stations. Additionally, flagship charging stations will offer additional amenities and a premier experience, although specific details have not been shared.
While all EVs will have access to the chargers, vehicles made by the founding automakers will have seamless integration, allowing features such as placing reservations, plug-and-charge capabilities, and automated billing. The automakers involved in the venture also plan to integrate the charging network with their smartphone apps and vehicle infotainment systems, providing full navigation and route planning functions, as well as energy management.
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Regarding pricing, although all EVs will have access to the chargers, the coalition did not comment on whether non-founding automakers’ vehicles would pay a higher rate. However, the group stated that pricing would be comparable and competitive to existing networks. Prices will be set independently by each mobility service provider, suggesting a franchise-like structure similar to gas stations.
The coalition aims to meet or exceed the requirements of President Biden’s U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. It will evaluate options for working with local government and public funding to achieve its goals.
It’s worth noting that Mercedes-Benz’s own EV charging network, announced in January, will not be impacted by this joint venture. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch more than 10,000 chargers by the end of the decade and have over 400 stations operational in North America by 2027, in collaboration with ChargePoint.
Similarly, General Motors’ 350 kW charging network, announced in 2022, will not be affected by the joint venture. GM is partnering with Pilot Company and EVgo to build a network of 2,000 charging bays across 500 rest stops, with some sites set to be operational in 2023. Additionally, GM and EVgo are adding over 3,250 high-speed chargers in U.S. cities and suburbs by the end of 2025, aiming to have chargers at 50-mile intervals across the country.
At the time of publishing, Ford and ChargePoint were unavailable for comment, while Electrify America, a Volkswagen subsidiary, stated that it would release a statement soon.
In summary, automakers have joined forces to address consumer concerns about the future of EVs by creating a fast-charging network. With a target of at least 30,000 fast chargers with various amenities, the coalition aims to provide reliable charging infrastructure across North America. The joint venture will operate independently from the founding automakers, ensuring equal rights. While all EVs will have access to the chargers, vehicles from the founding automakers will enjoy seamless integration and additional features. The coalition plans to meet or exceed the requirements of President Biden’s NEVI program and will explore partnerships with local governments and public funding.
