Let’s go charge EV network for real. Because an unprecedented move to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is happening. For seven major global automakers create a groundbreaking joint venture. It was held on July 26, 2023. I’m talking:
- BMW Group
- General Motors
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV
Charge EV Network
For those car companies are collaborating. Especially to establish a high-powered charging network. For that will significantly expand access to fast and reliable charging infrastructure across North America.
Advancing the EV Charging Network Revolution
The joint venture will also develop a new charging network. For that’s comprising at least 30,000 high-powered charge points. Moreover and especially in urban and highway locations.
This ambitious endeavor will also remove one of the major barriers. Especially to widespread EV adoption. That’s ensuring that EV customers can charge whenever and wherever they need. The network will prioritize delivering an elevated customer experience. That’s by offering reliability, high-powered charging capability. Also digital integration, appealing locations, and various amenities. All the while charging. All of this will be achieved using renewable energy.
EV Network Charging North America
The joint venture’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the strategies of all seven automakers. For that’s especially as they strive to power the charging network. I mean solely by renewable energy sources.
Unmatched Customer Experience
The key objective of the high-powered charging network is to provide EV owners with an unparalleled charging experience.
Convenient Locations and Amenities for the EV Charging Network
They will strategically locate the charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways. For that’s including connecting corridors and popular vacation routes. Especially to ensure customer comfort and charging ease. For their goal is to offer a charging station wherever people choose to live, work, and travel.
Additionally, they will equip the stations with amenities such as:
canopies
restrooms
food service and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex.
A select number of flagship stations will go above and beyond. We will also provide additional amenities. That’s to deliver a premier charging experience and showcase the future.
Seamless Integration and Plug & Charge Technology for the EV Charging Network
The network will seamlessly integrate participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, allowing for seamless reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation. Additionally, it will enable payment applications, transparent energy management, and more. The joint venture aims to further enhance the customer experience by simplifying the charging process through leveraging Plug & Charge technology, which will enable EVs to automatically authenticate and pay for charging services, eliminating the need for additional cards or apps.
EV Charging Network Open for Electric Vehicle Growth
As the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, the demand for fast and reliable public charging infrastructure grows in parallel. The joint venture recognizes the importance of an open network that can accommodate the expected surge in EV sales and support the evolving needs of EV owners.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are currently 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States, catering to 2.3 million electric vehicles. However, as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates, the country will need a staggering 182,000 DC fast chargers to support the projected 30-42 million plug-in vehicles by 2030. The creation of a best-in-class charging network will not only meet the demand but also foster the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Pioneering Founding Partners of EV Charging Network
Each of the founding partners brings unique expertise and a strong commitment to driving the electric vehicle revolution forward. Let’s hear what the CEOs of the participating automakers have to say about this groundbreaking joint venture:
Oliver Zipse – BMW Group CEO
“North America is one of the world’s most important car markets – with the potential to be a leader in electromobility. 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 BMW Group is proud to be among the founders.”
Mary Barra – GM CEO
“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. The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow.”
Toshihiro Mibe – Honda CEO
“The creation of EV charging services is an opportunity for automakers to produce excellent user experiences by providing complete, convenient, and sustainable solutions for our customers. Toward that objective, this joint venture will be a critical step in accelerating EV adoption across the U.S. and Canada and supporting our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.”
Jaehoon Chang – Hyundai CEO
“Hyundai’s investment in this project aligns with our ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision in 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 shareholders as we create this expansive high-powered charging network.”
Ho Sung Song – Kia CEO
“Kia’s engagement and investment in this high-powered charging joint venture are set to increase charging access and convenience to current and future drivers, thus accelerating the transition to EVs across North America. Kia is proud to be an important part of this joint venture with other reputable automakers as we embark on a journey towards seamless charging experiences for our customers and further strengthening Kia’s brand identity in the EV market.”
Ola Kallenius – Mercedes-Benz Group CEO
“The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. What we need now is speed – across political, social, and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we’re in favor of anything that makes life easier for our customers. Charging is an inseparable part of the EV experience, and this network will be another step to make it as convenient as possible.”
Carlos Tavares – Stellantis CEO
“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 that a charging network at scale is vital to protecting freedom of mobility for all, especially as we work to achieve our ambitious carbon neutrality plan. A strong charging network should be available for all – under the same conditions – and be built together with a win-win spirit. I want to thank each colleague involved, as it is a milestone example of our collective intelligence to listen and serve our customers.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV represents a monumental step towards revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry in North America. By establishing a high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 charge points, the joint venture aims to make zero-emission driving more convenient, accessible, and reliable than ever before. With a focus on an elevated customer experience, seamless integration, and the use of renewable energy, this joint venture paves the way for widespread electric vehicle adoption and a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for the opening of the first charging stations in the summer of 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in EV charging infrastructure.
Source: BMW Group
