Carmakers to create North American EV charging network

Seven major global automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV – are set to create a new charging network that will “significantly expand access to high-powered charging” across North America.

The group wants to install at least 30,000 high-powered charge points in urban and highway locations to ensure electric vehicle (EV) drivers can charge “whenever and wherever they need”.

“North America is one of the world’s most important car markets – with the potential to be a leader in electromobility,” said BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse.

“Accessibility to high-speed charging is one of the key enablers to accelerate this transition.

“Therefore, seven automakers are forming this joint venture with the goal of creating a positive charging experience for EV consumers.”

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-powered DC chargers, with the full network of stations due to be completed by 2030.

Barrier to adoption

According to advocacy group Plug In America, concerns about public charging are one of the primary barriers to EV adoption, with 38 percent of drivers surveyed earlier this year indicating that charging locations were too far apart.

“Building robust charging stations with 10-20 plugs and amenities such as restrooms, shops and restaurants will go a long way toward building range confidence among drivers and those considering EVs,” Ingrid Malmgren, Policy Director at Plug In America, told Cities Today.

“Automakers are investing heavily in the transition to electric vehicles by building battery manufacturing plants, building domestic factories, and even investing in mines for battery minerals.

“In order to increase EV sales, it makes sense for them to address this [EV charging] barrier.”

She added: “On top of that, the federal government is investing US$5 billion to build an interstate network of fast chargers through states – let’s hope everyone is coordinating to ensure the best use of all of these resources so that it results in a reliable, convenient and affordable EV road trip experience.”

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 estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support 30 to 42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the road by 2030.

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