Seven of the world’s leading automakers - BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis NV - are creating a joint venture to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America, by making EV charging more convenient, accessible and reliable.
The joint venture will include the development of a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers to make zero-emission driving even more attractive for millions of customers.
With
the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the
Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and
private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging
for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all
battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined
Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are
expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The
joint venture aims to become the leading network of reliable
high-powered charging stations in North America. The joint venture is
expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing
conditions and regulatory approvals.
The first stations are
expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and in
Canada at a later stage. Each site will be equipped with multiple
high-powered DC chargers, making long-distance journeys easier for
customers. In line with the sustainability strategies of all seven
automakers, the joint venture intends to power the charging network
solely by renewable energy.
The new high-powered charging network will elevate the entire EV experience and drive EV adoption. The
network will provide a seamless, vehicle integrated, best-in-class
charging experience, based on renewable energy and supported by the
quality, reliability, and resources of world-leading automakers.
Focused
on customer comfort and charging ease, the stations will be in
convenient locations offering canopies wherever possible and amenities
such as restrooms, food service and retail operations either nearby or
within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be
equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience
designed to showcase the future of charging.
Initial plans call
for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along
major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes,
aiming to offer a charging station wherever people may choose to live,
work and travel.
The functions and services of the network will
allow for seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle
and in-app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route
planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy
management and more. In addition, the network will leverage Plug &
Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience.
With U.S. electric vehicle sales expected to exceed 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, the expansion of reliable charging infrastructure will become even more critical to widespread electric vehicle adoption.
The creation of a best-in-class charging network will ensure that the EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV sales and will foster the adoption of electric vehicles.
