6 Automakers Band Together in New EV Charging Network
In one of the most diverse joint ventures we can recall, six automakers have announced a combined effort to rapidly develop an electric vehicle charging network that will span the U.S. BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis aim to open their first charging stations here in the summer of 2024, with the eventual goal of installing at least 30,000 chargers.
Related: Nissan Signs Charging Agreement With Tesla
No name has yet been announced for the joint venture, which the automakers say will be formally established later in 2023, “subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.” According to the Department of Energy, the 2.3 million EVs currently on the road are served by 32,000 public DC fast chargers. Various projections have EVs accounting for anywhere from 30% to more than half of new-car sales in the U.S. by 2030, with the automakers involved in this joint venture expecting that figure to be closer to 50%. That would put a total of more than 30 million EVs on U.S. roads by 2030, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates the U.S. will need more than 180,000 chargers to meet demand by then.
The joint venture will first target major metropolitan areas and the heavily trafficked corridors connecting them, as well as frequently traveled vacation routes. Charging locations will accommodate vehicles with the industrywide Combined Charging System port and the North American Charging Standard, the latter of which Tesla has recently opened up to other automakers — many of whom have signed on in short order.
The companies say their charging stations will provide food, restrooms and retail options to fill customers’ time while their cars charge, with select flagship stations offering undefined “additional amenities.” (We’re hoping for anything from massages to — if your GMC Hummer EV Pickup rolls in with 1% battery remaining — full-length movies.)
With the automakers being directly involved in developing the network, it should be easier to integrate their respective apps, which manage route planning, charger reservation and payment, among other logistics. And showing a comprehensive understanding of the climate concerns EVs are hoped to address, the cooperative says it intends to power the entire network exclusively with renewable energy.
Company leaders released statements in conjunction with the announcement, but the words attributed to Ola Kallenius, Mercedes-Benz Group CEO, seem to best convey the spirit of the moment.
“The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. What we need now is speed — across political, social and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we’re in favor of anything that makes life easier for our customers. Charging is an inseparable part of the EV experience, and this network will be another step to make it as convenient as possible.”
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