7 Major Auto Manufacturers Collaborate to Bring High-Powered Charging Network to Life

Leading global automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV – are forming a collaborative effort to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. The goal? Optimize and enhance the availability and efficiency of EV charging continent-wide. 

In total, the joint effort involves creating over 30,000 high-powered charging stations that make up the giant network. The result? Hopefully the encouragement of drivers to make the transition to no-emission driving and continue growing the need and want for electric vehicles. 

New Charging Super-Network Timeline

The joint venture’s formation is anticipated within this year, pending regular closing prerequisites and regulatory authorizations.

The initial charging stations are slated to open in the United States during the summer of 2024, with Canadian installations following afterward. Each station will feature multiple high-powered DC chargers, thereby simplifying long-distance travel for EV drivers. Staying true to the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the network’s energy will come exclusively from renewable sources only. 

Enhancing the EV Experience

This new high-powered charging network is poised to elevate the entire EV experience and promote the adoption of electric as the primary form of travel. 

By providing a seamless, vehicle-integrated, top-tier charging experience, fueled by renewable energy, and backed by the expertise, reliability, and resources of the world’s leading automakers, the network will significantly boost the appeal of electric vehicles.

Focusing on customer convenience and charging ease, the stations will be conveniently located, with canopy coverings wherever possible, and additional amenities like restrooms, food services, and retail facilities either adjacent or within close proximity. Some flagship stations will offer enhanced amenities to provide a premier charging experience, showcasing the future of EV charging.

Initial deployment plans target urban centers and major highways, including connecting routes and popular vacation paths, aiming to provide charging accessibility wherever individuals live, work, and travel.

The network’s functions and services will seamlessly integrate with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences. This will encompass features like reservations, intelligent route planning, payment applications, transparent energy management, and more. Additionally, the network will leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer journey.

Behind the Scenes

Let’s take a look at what some of the CEOs of each manufacturer had to say about bringing idea to fruition: 

BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse: “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.”

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius: “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.”

GM CEO Mary Barra: “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.”

Enjoy all the new EV and hybrid models available at Robert Basil Cadillac! For more information on this project as time goes on, or to inquire about any of our EVs and other offerings, contact us and we’ll be glad to help!