Seven automakers partnering to create EV fast-charge network

Published Jul 27, 2023 • 2 minute read

A ClipperCreek Inc. charging plug is seen connected to an electric vehicle at a charging station in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Photo by Dania Maxwell /Bloomberg

Seven of the world’s leading automakers are forming a joint venture to rapidly expand the North American electric vehicle charging network by over 30,000 stations.

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Stellantis, General Motors, BMW Group, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group expect the partnership to be formalized later this year with the first chargers appearing in the U.S. next summer, with Canada a little after that.

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“The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time,” Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said in a statement Wednesday.

“What we need now is speed — across political, social and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we’re in favour 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.”

The companies said they will leverage both private and public funding to more quickly create a high-powered network.

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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).

Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers. To ensure the companies’ net-zero environmental targets are met, the network will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

“We intend to exceed customer expectations by creating more opportunities for a seamless charging experience given the significant growth expected in the market,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said.

“We believe that a charging network at scale is vital to protecting freedom of mobility for all, especially as we work to achieve our ambitious carbon neutrality plan.

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“A strong charging network should be available for all — under the same conditions — and be built together with a win-win spirit.”

The companies also intend to provide more than just additional places to plug in. The customer experience will also be a focus.

The stations will be in convenient locations, initially in urban areas, major highways and popular tourist regions, offering canopies wherever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations.

Some flagship stations will offer additional amenities to create a more premium experience.

“GM’s commitment to an all-electric future is focused not only on delivering EVs our customers love but investing in charging and working across the industry to make it more accessible,” General Motors CEO Mary Barra said.

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“The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow.”

The companies aim to create a network that will allow for seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences. It will also employ plug-and-charge technology to ensure security and convenience.

With North American governments pushing to ensure 50 per cent of new vehicle sales are electric by 2030, the U.S.’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support the 30 to 42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the roads by then.

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