Seven of the world’s leading automakers—the BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, the Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV—are creating a joint venture to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) 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 EVs 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 US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The joint venture aims to become North America’s leading network of reliable, high-powered charging stations. Also, it is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Powered solely by renewable energy
The first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and Canada at a later stage. Each site will have 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 with renewable energy.
The new high-powered charging network will elevate the 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 world-leading automakers’ quality, reliability, and resources.
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 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 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 enhance the customer experience further.
182,000 fast chargers for 42 million EVs
As more EVs are introduced, and the consumer adoption rate increases, the demand for fast and reliable public charging also grows.
According to the US Department of Energy, as of July 2023, 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States are used by 2.3 million EVs, a ratio of 72 cars per charger. The NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support 30 to 42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the roads by 2030.
With US EV sales expected to exceed 50% of total US sales by 2030, expanding reliable charging infrastructure will become even more critical to widespread EV adoption.
Creating a best-in-class charging network will ensure that the EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV sales and foster the adoption of EVs.
BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse commented, “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.”
On the part of GM CEO Mary Barra, she said, “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.”
For Honda, CEO Toshihiro Mibe shared, “The creation of EV charging services is an opportunity for automakers to produce excellent user experiences by providing complete, convenient, and sustainable solutions for our customers. Toward that objective, this joint venture will be a critical step in accelerating EV adoption across the States and Canada and supporting our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.”
Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang, meantime, stated, “Hyundai’s investment in this project aligns with our ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision in making sustainable transportation more accessible. Hyundai’s expertise in electrification will help redefine the charging landscape, and we look forward to working with our other shareholders as we create this expansive high-powered charging network.”
As for Kia, CEO Ho Sung Song shared, “Kia’s engagement and investment in this high-powered charging joint venture are set to increase charging access and convenience to current and future drivers and therefore accelerate the transition to EVs across North America. Kia is proud to be an important part of this joint venture with other reputable automakers as we embark on a journey towards seamless charging experiences for our customers and further strengthening Kia’s brand identity in the EV market.”
Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius explained, “The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. What we need now is speed—across political, social, and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the shift to EVs, 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.”
Finally, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares shared, “We intend to exceed customer expectations by creating more opportunities for a seamless charging experience given the significant growth expected in the market. 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. I want to thank each colleague involved, as it is a milestone example of our collective intelligence to listen and serve our customers.” (Story and image courtesy of American Honda Motor Co Inc)