In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, seven leading automakers have announced their joint venture company aiming to create an extensive charging network across North America. The BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, the Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis have joined forces with the common goal of enhancing the convenience, accessibility, and reliability of EV charging for their electric car customers.
According to the announcement, the yet-to-be-named joint venture company plans to launch its first charging stations in the United States in the summer of 2024, with Canadian stations following at a later date. The network’s scope is ambitious, with the goal of incorporating at least 30,000 charging stations spanning both countries.
The automakers emphasized that customer experience is at the forefront of their plans. The strategically located charging stations will be designed to prioritize customer comfort and ease of use. To achieve this, the stations will be equipped with essential amenities such as restrooms, dining options, and retail services. Additionally, some stations will be dedicated to providing a premier experience, serving as showcases for the future of EV charging.
To ensure a seamless charging experience for drivers, the participating automakers will design their electric vehicles to connect effortlessly with the charging stations. An integrated app will facilitate a simple “plug and charge” process for drivers, making the charging experience hassle-free.
The charging network will primarily offer DC fast-charging capabilities, accommodating both CCS and NACS plugs, allowing all types of electrified vehicles to charge efficiently. In the initial phase, the charging stations will be strategically deployed in metropolitan areas and along major highways, targeting popular vacation routes and connecting corridors to cater to the needs of a wide range of EV drivers.
Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the creation of EV charging services is an excellent opportunity for automakers to provide complete, convenient, and sustainable solutions to their customers. He believes that this joint venture will play a pivotal role in accelerating EV adoption in the U.S. and Canada while supporting the collective effort to achieve carbon neutrality.
Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW, emphasized North America’s importance in the global car market and highlighted high-speed charging accessibility as a crucial enabler in driving the transition to electromobility. The collaboration among the seven automakers is poised to create a positive charging experience, further promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the region.
As the automotive industry gears up for a greener future, this innovative joint venture represents a significant step forward in transforming the EV charging landscape, promising increased convenience and accessibility for electric car drivers across North America.
