Major Automakers Unite to Create Groundbreaking Charging Network for Electric Vehicles

In a monumental move towards promoting electric mobility and enhancing the convenience of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, seven leading automakers announced their plans to establish an unprecedented joint venture charging network across North America. BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV have joined forces to create a powerful consortium with a vision to install at least 30,000 chargers in the United States and Canada.

The joint venture, which involves an ambitious investment of $1 billion from the automakers, aims to revolutionize the EV charging infrastructure, making it more accessible and appealing to millions of potential EV customers. As the world witnesses an increasing shift towards sustainable transportation, the availability of high-speed charging stations plays a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.

North America, being one of the most significant automotive markets globally, holds immense potential to lead the way in electromobility. To harness this potential, the seven automakers have come together with a shared goal of creating a seamless and positive charging experience for EV consumers.

“We firmly believe that accessibility to high-speed charging is one of the key enablers to accelerate the transition to electromobility,” stated Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW Group. “By forming this joint venture, our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future, offering an attractive charging network for electric vehicle owners.”

In a joint press release issued by the companies, it was highlighted that the new charging stations will be strategically located in convenient areas, with canopies whenever possible. Moreover, these stations will be equipped with various amenities to enhance the overall charging experience, such as restrooms, food service, and nearby retail operations. Additionally, some flagship stations will feature extra amenities, providing a premier experience that showcases the future of charging technology.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are currently 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States, catering to 2.3 million electric vehicles. However, with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimating that there will be between 30 to 42 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030, approximately 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to meet the growing demand.

With electric vehicle sales projected to exceed 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, the expansion of a reliable charging infrastructure becomes even more critical for widespread EV adoption. The forthcoming charging network joint venture is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that this transition occurs smoothly.

The companies anticipate that the first charging stations will open in the United States by the summer of next year, while those in Canada will follow at a later date. The establishment of the joint venture is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, but it is expected to be operational within this year.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, the collaboration of these seven major automakers represents a significant stride towards facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, revolutionizing the driving experience, and fostering a cleaner and greener tomorrow.