Seven major automakers unite for North America’s EV charging network

Seven major global automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV – are joining forces to establish a joint venture aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. The main objective of this collaboration is to make EV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable for customers, ultimately making zero-emission driving more attractive to millions of people.

To achieve this goal, the joint venture plans to develop a new high-powered charging network, installing at least 30,000 charging points across urban and highway locations. These charging stations will support both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, making them accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker. As per the official statement, they are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The charging network is scheduled to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with the first stations expected to open in the summer of 2024 in the United States and later in Canada. Each charging site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers to facilitate long-distance journeys for EV drivers. In line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the joint venture intends to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.

Elevated Customer Experience

• Introduction of a new high-powered charging network to enhance the overall EV experience and promote EV adoption.
• Seamless, vehicle-integrated charging experience based on renewable energy, supported by leading automakers.
• Customer-focused approach with convenient station locations, canopies for shelter, and amenities like restrooms and food services.
• Flagship stations offering additional premier amenities to showcase the future of charging.
• Deployment plans targeting metropolitan areas, major highways, connecting corridors, and vacation routes.
• Seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences for reservations, route planning, and payments.
• Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are currently 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States, serving 2.3 million electric vehicles. This results in a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. However, looking ahead, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that the number of DC fast chargers will need to grow significantly to meet the needs of an expected 30-42 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030. NREL suggests that approximately 182,000 DC fast chargers will be required to adequately support this anticipated surge in electric vehicle adoption. Considering the projections that electric vehicle sales are expected to surpass 50% of total U.S. vehicle sales by 2030, the expansion and enhancement of reliable charging infrastructure will be crucial for widespread electric vehicle adoption.

Creating a best-in-class charging network becomes imperative to ensure that the EV infrastructure can efficiently accommodate both current and future EV sales, thereby promoting and facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles across the nation. Each of the automakers involved, namely Oliver Zipse (CEO BMW Group), Mary Barra (CEO, GM), Toshihiro Mibe (CEO, Honda), Jaehoon Chang (CEO, Hyundai), Ho Sung Song (CEO, Kia), Ola Källenius (CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group), Carlos Tavares (CEO, Stellantis) expressed their commitment to the joint venture and the importance of creating a positive charging experience for EV consumers. They emphasized the significance of accessibility to high-speed charging in accelerating the transition to electromobility and combating climate change.

This collaborative effort represents a significant milestone in the EV industry, as these seven automakers work together to pave the way for a more sustainable and EV-friendly future in North America.

Also Read: The real cost of an EV charging station- AC vs DC chargers, profitability analysis