Seven of the world’s top automakers, including BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV, are collaborating to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. Their joint venture aims to make EV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable.
To achieve this goal, the automakers will develop a new high-powered charging network consisting of at least 30,000 chargers. This network will make zero-emission driving even more appealing for millions of customers.
The joint venture will leverage both public and private funds to expedite the installation of high-powered charging stations. These stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker that uses the Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS). They are expected to meet or exceed the requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The ultimate objective of this collaboration is to establish the leading network of reliable high-powered charging stations across North America.
This joint venture is expected to be established within this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The first charging stations are planned to open in the United States in the summer of 2024, followed by stations in Canada. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, making long-distance journeys easier for customers. Moreover, the joint venture intends to power the charging stations solely with renewable energy to align with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
The new high-powered charging network aims to elevate the entire EV experience and drive the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
This network will provide a seamless and best-in-class charging experience, supported by renewable energy and the expertise and resources of the world’s leading automakers.
The charging stations will be strategically located in convenient areas, with canopies and nearby amenities such as restrooms, food services, and retail operations. Flagship stations will offer additional amenities, offering a premier experience to showcase the future of charging.
Initially, the charging stations will be deployed in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes. The aim is to provide a charging station wherever people choose to live, work, and travel.
The network’s functions and services will seamlessly integrate with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences. This includes reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management, and more. To further enhance the customer experience, the network will utilize Plug & Charge technology.
An Open Network to Foster Electric Vehicle Growth
As the number of electric vehicles grows and consumer adoption increases, the demand for fast and reliable public charging also rises.
Currently, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States for the use of 2.3 million electric vehicles. However, this ratio of 72 vehicles per charger is expected to be insufficient to support the estimated 30-42 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030, according to the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).
With U.S. electric vehicle sales projected to surpass 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, expanding reliable charging infrastructure becomes even more crucial for widespread EV adoption.
By creating a best-in-class charging network, this joint venture aims to ensure that the EV infrastructure can support the current and future EV sales, thereby facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Statements from Founding Partners
- BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse emphasizes the importance of high-speed charging accessibility to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America.
- GM CEO Mary Barra highlights their commitment to delivering EVs customers love while investing in charging infrastructure for easier accessibility.
- Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe views EV charging services as an opportunity to provide complete and sustainable solutions, supporting efforts toward carbon neutrality.
- Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang sees this project as part of their vision to make sustainable transportation more accessible and redefine the charging landscape.
- Kia CEO Ho Sung Song expresses their commitment to increasing charging access and convenience for drivers, accelerating the transition to EVs.
- Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius emphasizes the fight against climate change and the importance of making charging as convenient as possible.
- Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares highlights the significance of a charging network at scale to protect freedom of mobility for all and achieve their carbon neutrality plan.
Contact information for each automaker is provided at the end of the article.