Seven Global Automakers Charge Up

Seven global automakers aim to build the leading nationwide charge network for electric vehicles. Titled “We Charge North America,” the initiative will establish a network of high-powered charging stations along the roads in North America. Napleton News has advocated to expand a reliable charge network and this plan is a case of doing just that.

Seven Global Automakers use NACS

The new initiative results from talks and an agreement between Mercedes-Benz Group, BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and Stellantis NV.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• A target of at least 30,000 high-powered charge points along highway and urban locations for drivers to charge where and when they want or need to.
• The new charging network will deliver a higher customer experience, with greater reliability, high-powered charging capability, digital integration, appealing locations, various amenities while charging.
• The charging stations will be accessible to all EV customers. They can take advantage of Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors.
• The first charge stations will come online in summer of 2024.

The goal of at least 30,000 new chargers is to make zero-emission driving even more attractive for millions of EV owners.

Public and Private Funds

Federal and state government investments are being used to help this joint venture leveraging public and private funds. The goal is to accelerate installation of high-powered chargers for customers. Simply put, the more fast chargers, the more electric vehicle customers.

The new chargers are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle infrastructure (NEVI) program. Members of this joint venture aim to be the leading network of reliable high-powered charge stations in the U.S. and Canada.

The initial charging stations will come online in the U.S. during summer 2024. Canadian stations will appear soon after. Each facility will include multiple high-powered DC chargers, which they think will make long distance traveling more workable for most drivers. The charging network will be powered by renewable energy.

An Elevated Level of Charge for Seven Global Automakers   

By increasing the quality of the high-powered charging station, the seven manufacturers hope to elevate or lift the entire EV experience. This will increase the adoption of electric vehicles across the continent.                  

The new network will have a customer service focus. They will be located in convenient locations with canopies wherever possible and amenities. These will include food service and restrooms as well as other retail operations nearby or in the same complex. There are plans for flagship stations that will feature additional amenities and a premier experience showcasing the future of charging.

Initially, the charging stations will be located in metropolitan areas and along major highway and vacation routes. These will focus on places where people choose to work, live and travel.

The charging network will provide seamless integration with the automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences. These will include reservations, navigation, route planning, payment apps and more.       

An Open Network Drives EV Growth

As more EVs are introduced to market, the demand for improved charging will, of course, increase. U.S. electric vehicle sales are expected to exceed 50% of total sales by 2030. With that type of growth, reliable charging stations will become even more critical to EV adoption.

The creation of a best-in-class charging network will make sure the EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV growth.