Seven major automakers to build EV charging network with 30,000 chargers

Good information, electrical road-trippers: DC quick chargers are about to grow to be much more frequent. On Wednesday, a gaggle of seven major automakers introduced a plan to create a brand new charging network of greater than 30,000 chargers throughout North America beginning subsequent yr.

BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis are making a three way partnership to considerably broaden the variety of fast-charging websites within the US and Canada. The websites will use the brand new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pointers, which implies, amongst different issues, 97 p.c uptime for every charging port. The websites will assist each CCS1 and NACS plugs, and the chargers will even assist the plug-and-charge protocol.

“North America is one of the world’s most important car markets—with the potential to be a leader in electromobility. Accessibility to high-speed charging is one of the key enablers to accelerate this transition. Therefore, seven automakers are forming this joint venture with the goal of creating a positive charging experience for EV consumers. The BMW Group is proud to be among the founders,” mentioned BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse.

The group says it plans to begin deploying chargers alongside major highways and in metropolitan areas at first and should goal a number of the $5 billion in NEVI funding now being administered by states so as to build out a nationwide fast-charging network alongside journey corridors.

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

The as-yet-unnamed group notes that there are at the moment about 32,000 DC quick chargers within the US. The largest network belongs to Tesla, and in latest months we have seen a flurry of automakers—together with GM and Mercedes-Benz—announce plans to ditch the CCS1 plug in favor of Tesla’s NACS design so as to achieve entry to the Supercharger network for his or her clients beginning in 2024.

“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. The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow,” mentioned GM CEO Mary Barra.

Hopefully, this three way partnership will use the Tesla Supercharger expertise as its information when designing its personal buyer expertise. The group says it needs to “elevate the entire EV experience” and that “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.”

“The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time,” mentioned Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius. “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.”

The first stations might be constructed within the US in 2024, with Canada following at a later date.