Major global automakers, including BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, have come together to create a groundbreaking EV public charging network joint venture in North America. This collaboration aims to significantly expand access to high-powered charging across the continent.
The goal is to install at least 30,000 high-powered charge points in urban and highway locations, ensuring convenient charging for EV owners whenever and wherever they need it. The charging network will provide an elevated customer experience, reliable and high-powered charging capability, digital integration, appealing locations, and amenities during charging. Additionally, the stations will be powered solely by renewable energy, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Notably, the charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker, as they will support both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors.
Read Also: Soaring EV sales could still leave world short on emissions goal
The first charging stations are scheduled to open in the United States during the summer of 2024, with deployment in Canada following at a later stage. The network will be strategically located in metropolitan areas and along major highways, making charging stations easily accessible to EV drivers living, working, and traveling in those regions.
Each charging site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers and, where possible, offer amenities such as restrooms, food service, and retail options. Some flagship stations may include additional amenities to enhance the charging experience further.
The charging network will integrate seamlessly with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, providing features like reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, and transparent energy management.
The coalition includes two automakers that have committed to equipping their EVs with NACS connectors starting from 2025, namely General Motors and Mercedes-Benz Group. The other partners, including BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, will evaluate the adoption of Tesla’s NACS connectors but have yet to confirm implementation on their EVs.
Read Also: EV demand has big factory projects churning
By meeting or surpassing the requirements of the US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, the automakers aim to establish the leading network of reliable high-powered charging stations in North America.
The joint venture is set to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, paving the way for a revolutionary charging network that will benefit EV drivers across the continent.
Featured Image Credit: www.motor1.com
