By Tom Krisher | Associated Press
DETROIT — Seven major automakers are coming together to create a North American electric vehicle charging network that will rival Tesla’s network and significantly increase the number of fast-charging plugs in the US and Canada. General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis announced on Wednesday their collaboration in a multibillion-dollar investment to establish “high power” charging stations with over 30,000 plugs in urban areas and travel corridors by 2030. The joint effort aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and eliminate concerns about the availability of chargers for long-distance travel. The automakers did not disclose specific financial details or the exact number of charging stations, but they confirmed that the first US chargers will be operational by next summer. In a joint statement, the companies stated their intention to build the leading network of reliable high-powered charging stations in North America. They emphasized that such a substantial network requires a multibillion-dollar investment.
According to the US Department of Energy, there are currently less than 8,700 direct-current fast-charging stations in the US and Canada, with nearly 36,000 charging plugs. Even with an additional 30,000 plugs, the US will still require a significantly higher number of chargers. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that around 182,000 fast chargers will be necessary by 2030.
Fast chargers can replenish a battery to 80% capacity in 20 minutes to one hour, making them ideal for travel corridors and comparable in speed to refueling a car with gasoline. In contrast, 240-volt “Level 2” chargers can take several hours to fully charge a battery. The new charging network is expected to have 10 to 20 plugs per station, resulting in a minimum of 1,500 stations and a maximum of around 3,000.
Tesla’s network, which boasts the largest number of fast chargers in North America, currently includes 2,050 stations with over 22,000 plugs in the US and Canada. The network established by the seven automakers will be publicly accessible to all electric vehicle owners. It will accommodate both Tesla’s North American Charging Standard plugs and the Combined Charging System plugs used by other automakers.
The joint effort by the automakers is projected to accelerate electric vehicle sales in North America by addressing concerns about the charging network’s limitations for long-distance travel. Stephanie Brinley, an analyst with S&P Global Mobility, believes that this announcement instills confidence in potential electric vehicle buyers and encourages them to experience the benefits of EV ownership. The automakers affirmed their commitment to using renewable energy whenever possible to power the chargers, ensuring convenient locations with amenities such as restrooms, food service, and nearby stores.
Brinley emphasized the importance of providing a positive charging experience to earn the trust of potential EV buyers. Building the network will require substantial investments and take several years due to the need for specialized electrical wiring. While numerous companies are currently constructing charging networks, they often suffer from unreliability or unfavorable locations. As a result, Ford, General Motors, and others have signed agreements with Tesla, granting their electric vehicles access to Tesla’s extensive network of fast chargers. Despite this collaboration, Brinley does not see it as a threat to Tesla but rather as a necessary response to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
The seven automakers intend to seek assistance from US government funds authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law to support the development of the charging network. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized that the initiative is motivated by the anticipated significant growth in electric vehicle sales and the group’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations. In the US, electric vehicle sales accounted for over 557,000 vehicles during the first half of this year, representing 7.2% of all new vehicle sales. Analysts predict continued growth in EV sales over the next decade, with industry projections estimating EV market share to reach 14.4% in 2025 and almost 40% by 2030. The proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that automakers could meet the requirements by 2032 if 67% of all new vehicle sales are electric.