Set of the main ones global car manufacturers join forces and create a charging network in North America.
Seven automakers join forces and create charging network in North America, source DepositPhotos office
A joint venture for transition
BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis NV are forming joint venture. To accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America.
Making EV Charging more convenient, accessible and reliable.
The joint venture will include the development of a new high-power charging network with at least 30,000 chargers. To make emission-free driving even more attractive to millions of customers.
The new stations
With generational investments in public charging being implemented at the federal and state levels, the joint venture will leverage public funds. And private individuals to expedite the installation of high-power charging for customers.
The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker.
These must use the Combined Charging System (CCS) or the North American Charging Standard (NACS). And they should meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The joint venture aims to become the leading network of reliable, high-power charging stations in North America.
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The joint venture is expected to form this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and in Canada at a later stage. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-power DC chargers, making long-distance travel easier for customers.
In line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the joint venture intends to supply the charging network exclusively with renewable energy.
High customer experience
The new high-power charging network will enhance the whole EV experience and boost EV adoption.
The network will provide a seamless, in-vehicle, best-in-class charging experience. Built on renewable energy and backed by the quality, reliability and resources of the world’s leading automakers.
Focused on customer comfort and ease of charging, the stations will be in convenient locations offering canopies where possible and services such as toilets, food services and retail operations nearby or within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional services, offering a world-class experience designed to showcase the future of charging.
Seven automakers join forces and create charging network in North America, source DepositPhotos office
Initial plans call for the installation of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and holiday routes, with the aim of offering a charging station wherever people may choose to live, work and travel.
The network’s features and services will enable 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. Additionally, the network will leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience.
An open network to drive the growth of electric vehicles
As more electric vehicles are introduced and the rate of consumer adoption increases, so does the demand for fast and reliable public charging.
According to the US Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States for use by 2.3 million electric vehicles, a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support an expected 30-42 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030.
With U.S. EV sales expected to exceed 50 percent of total U.S. sales by 2030, expanding a reliable charging infrastructure will become even more critical to widespread EV adoption.
Establishing a state-of-the-art charging network will ensure that EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV sales and drive EV adoption.
Comments from JV founding partners
Oliver Zipse CEO of BMW Group: “North America is one of the most important automotive markets in the world, with the potential to be a leader in electromobility. L’accessibility to high-speed charging is one of the key factors in accelerating this transition. Therefore, seven automakers are forming this joint venture with the aim of creating a positive charging experience for EV consumers. The BMW Group is proud to be among the founders.”
Seven automakers join forces and create charging network in North America, source DepositPhotos office
For an electric future
The CEO of GM Mary Barra : “GM’s commitment to an all-electric future focuses not only on delivering the EVs our customers love, but also investing in charging and working across the industry to make it more affordable. The better experience people have, the faster the adoption of EVs will be.”
An opportunity for builders
Toshihiro Mibe CEO of Honda: “The creation of electric vehicle charging services is an opportunity for automakers to produce excellent user experiences by providing complete, convenient and sustainable solutions for our customers. Toward that goal, this joint venture will be a key step in accelerating EV adoption in the United States and Canada and supporting our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.”
A project in line with the Hyundai vision
Jaehoon Chang , CEO of Hyundai: “Hyundai’s investment in this project is in line with our ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision of 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 stakeholders as we create this vast high-power charging network.”
To Sung Song CEO of Come on : “Kia’s commitment and investment in this high-power charging joint venture is set to increase access to charging. And convenience for current and future drivers and thus accelerate the transition to electric vehicles across North America.
Kia is proud to be an important part of this joint venture with other renowned automakers as we embark on a journey towards seamless charging experiences for our customers and further strengthening the Kia brand identity in the electric vehicle market.”
Beyond the electric there is the fight against climate change
Ola Källenius CEO of Mercedes-Benz group: “Fighting climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. What we need now is speed, across political, social and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, we are in favor of anything that makes life easier for our customers. Charging is an inseparable part of the electric vehicle experience and this network will be another step towards making it as convenient as possible.”
The mobility of the future belongs to everyone
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis: “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 a large-scale charging network is critical to protecting the freedom of mobility for all, especially as we work towards our ambitious carbon neutrality plan. A robust charging network should be available to all, on equal terms, and be built together in a win-win spirit. I want to thank every colleague involved, as they are a prime example of our collective intelligence to listen to and serve our customers.”