Seven Top Automakers Unveil $1B Plan to Build Out EV Charging Network

WASHINGTON — Seven of the world’s top automakers unveiled a plan on Wednesday to roll out 30,000 fast electric vehicle chargers across the United States and Canada.

The $1 billion joint venture by General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis will nearly double the number of fast chargers currently available to consumers in the United States.

Currently there are somewhere around 36,000 fast chargers in the U.S. and Canada, but surveys of motorists have consistently shown there are far from enough to overcome their fears of being stranded on a longer journey because they’ve run out of power.

The White House was quick to applaud the news, saying the array of new fast chargers — which can replenish a fully drained EV battery in 30 minutes or less — will complement federal investments to create a seamless coast-to-coast network of charging infrastructure that can be used by all EV drivers, no matter what car they drive.

In their joint announcement, the automakers confirmed the new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using the Combined Charging System or North American Charging Standard, and are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program.

They also said their first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and in Canada at an unspecified later date. 

Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, and, in line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the joint venture intends to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.

The automakers said in addition to offering consumers charging opportunities, they are also striving to offer drivers a first-in-class retail experience.

“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 either nearby or within the same complex,” a release from the companies says.

“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,” said Mary Barra, the auto giant’s CEO. “The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow.”

Initial plans call for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes.

“Companies from around the world are coming together to invest in America — that’s Bidenomics,” said Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Implementation coordinator, in a written statement.

“Today’s announcement … is another example of America leading the world again,” he said. 

“Since day one, our administration has been committed to creating a convenient, reliable and Made-in-America electric vehicle charging network across this country — making it easy to see your loved ones, get to work on time or pick your kids up from school — no matter what car you drive,” Landrieu said. “Together, we will continue building a convenient, reliable and Made-in-America EV charging network that works in every community.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the automakers’ plan “builds on momentum created by President Biden’s historic infrastructure law, which has not only funded the development of the national charging network, but also supported standards for reliable chargers, payment systems and pricing information — just as you would expect at any gas station.”

“This is a win for American consumers and another big step toward our electric future,” he said.

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