A group of leading automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis have come together to form a new joint venture aimed at building a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging network in North America. This collaboration is focused on erecting easy-to-use DC fast chargers along highways and in urban areas in the US and Canada.
The ambitious plan for this partnership is to install a minimum of 30,000 high-speed EV chargers by 2030. The first charging stations are expected to open in the summer of 2024 in the US. To achieve this goal, the group intends to leverage the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding available in the US, along with other private and public funding from state and federal sources.
The current EV charging networks, like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America, typically have stations installed in locations where people can engage in various activities such as shopping, dining, and using restrooms. The newly planned chargers will follow a similar approach, being strategically located along routes to popular vacation destinations and in metropolitan areas to ensure convenient access for EV owners.
One of the key advantages of this joint venture is that the charging stations will connect and charge EV models made by the participating automakers without the need for multiple charging station apps. Additionally, the group plans to integrate the developing “Plug and Charge” standard, which the Federal Highway Administration is working to standardize. This will further simplify the charging process for users.
GM CEO Mary Barra emphasized the importance of providing a seamless and positive experience for EV owners, stating, “The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow.” Many existing charging networks require their own specific apps, which can pose reliability issues. However, the new charging network will enable vehicles from automakers like Ford, GM, and Volvo to access the highly regarded Tesla Supercharger network without requiring additional activation through an app.
In addition to their focus on providing a superior charging experience, the joint venture partners are committed to powering the charging network entirely with renewable energy. While specific details about the source of renewable energy are not yet clear, the companies may consider options such as direct renewable energy sourcing or purchasing renewable energy credits, as recently announced by Rivian.
Although no specific timeline has been set for the full deployment of the network, initial stations are expected to be installed in the near future. However, the rollout may be delayed for Canadian customers, with installations planned for a later stage. All charging stations will feature the standardized Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, as well as the widely used Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs.
In conclusion, the formation of this joint venture by automotive industry leaders represents a significant step towards expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in North America. The planned installation of 30,000 high-speed EV chargers by 2030 will provide EV owners with greater convenience and accessibility, thereby supporting the growth of electric vehicle adoption. With a focus on user-friendly features, seamless integration, and renewable energy usage, this initiative is poised to shape the future of EV charging in the region.
