Major car manufacturers to establish widespread high-powered EV charging infrastructure
Seven leading car manufacturers have joined forces to transform the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging in North America. The collaboration between BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV aims to address one of the primary challenges of EV ownership – access to fast and reliable charging infrastructure.
“North America is one of the world’s most important car markets – with the potential to be a leader in electromobility. Accessibility to high-speed charging is one of the key enablers to accelerate this transition.”
BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse
An ambitious venture for accessible EV charging
The automakers’ joint venture aims to develop a new high-powered charging network, which includes installing a minimum of 30,000 chargers across North America. The goal is to make zero-emission driving a feasible and attractive option for millions of customers, creating an infrastructure that can serve EVs from any automaker using the Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Leveraging public and private funds
The venture plans to utilize both public and private funds to speed up the installation of these high-powered charging points. The stations are expected to comply with, if not surpass, the standards and goals of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
First charging stations to open in 2024
The first batch of charging stations is expected to be operational in the U.S. by the summer of 2024, with Canadian locations following later. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, and in alignment with the automakers’ sustainability goals, the network will be powered solely by renewable energy.
Aiming for a superior customer experience
The new charging network will focus on elevating the entire EV experience and driving EV adoption. Locations will be selected for their convenience, with possible features such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations nearby. The network will also offer seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, including reservations, route planning, and payment applications.
Meeting the growing need for reliable EV charging
As electric vehicle adoption increases, so does the demand for reliable and readily available charging infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy reports a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger as of July 2023, highlighting the need for a more extensive network. With projections indicating EV sales could constitute over 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, this joint venture seeks to provide the required support for this growth.
Key specifications
- At least 30,000 high-powered charging points to be installed
- Charging stations will cater to all battery-powered EVs using CCS or NACS
- The first stations will be operational in the U.S. in 2024, followed by Canada
- All charging stations will run on renewable energy
Looking forward to an electrifying future
The new joint venture by these seven leading automakers is a major leap towards facilitating widespread EV adoption. By working to expand the charging infrastructure, these manufacturers are not only improving the consumer experience but also making a significant commitment to environmental sustainability.
