Seven of the world’s top automakers recently announced their intention to join forces and help construct a new EV charging network. BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles) are working with state and local governments to bring 30,000 new charge points to locations across the US.
More electric-vehicle news and reviews
Automakers join forces to build new EV charging network
The companies are promising the new stations will deliver fast, convenient, and most importantly, reliable service. Tesla excepted, the latter item has been a huge sticking point for EV owners and intenders as it relates to the current state of America’s charging infrastructure. Public charging stations often suffer from malfunctions, expensive service, or they simply don’t work at all.
The plan for these new stations is to offer multiple DC fast chargers that support the Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS). All will receive their needed energy from renewable resources. They will be constructed in, according to a Stellantis media release, “…convenient locations offering canopies whenever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex.” Further, “A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience designed to showcase the future of charging.” Each station will also be designed to leverage the individual automakers’ infotainment and telematics applications, both in owners’ vehicles and their mobile devices.
Final details of the joint venture and US regulatory approvals are scheduled to complete by the end of 2023, with the first charge points slated to begin operation in summer 2024. The consortium also wants to expand service into Canada, but no timeline was available as of this writing.
Test Drive: Ford F-150 Lightning
CG Says
We’ve experienced more than our fair share of woes when using public EV charging stations so this announcement has the potential to be a game changer. Should this project deliver on its promises, we wouldn’t be surprised to see other manufacturers like Ford and Volkswagen get on board and potentially expand the network even farther.
Listening to the Car Stuff Podcast
Automakers join forces to build new EV charging network
Automakers join forces to build new EV charging network
