Seven Automakers Enter Joint Venture to Build National BEV Charging Network
The auto industry is shifting towards battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and other electrified options that require a consumer to charge up to get the most out of their automobile. One of the largest problems automakers face when trying to sell their electric models is a consumer’s wary for finding a place to charge up. Even with apps and services that can help consumers find a charging station, they’re usually out of the way and impractical. For years, automakers have been looking for ways to combat this, and finally, seven automakers have decided to work together to create a high-powered charging network across North America – the BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV.
“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.” – Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares
Wow, that’s a lot of big names working together. In fact, these are some of the world’s leading automakers coming together to build the network. Through a joint venture to speed up the transition of the auto market to electric vehicles in North America, the goal is to make BEV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable. This new joint venture will begin the development of a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 charging stations available. To make sure all consumers have access, the charging stations will also be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging Systems (CCS) or the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
With stations expected to start operating in the summer of 2024 for the U.S. and a little later for Canada, each will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers. With many of these automakers aiming for carbon neutrality or net zero carbon emissions, the joint venture also aims to power the charging network solely by renewable energy. As mentioned above, charging stations are usually out of the way or hidden in a shopping plaza. To combat this, the charging stations of this new network will be erected in convenient locations wherever possible, such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations nearby. That also means rest stops, like the ones on the interstate where you can fuel up your belly and/or your car. The network will also work with in-vehicle and in-app experiences such as making reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management, and more.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are 32,000 DC fast chargers available to the public in the U.S. To make BEVs and other electrified plug-in options a viable purchase for consumers, the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support the expected number of plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030, about 30-42 million. With many automakers also expecting BEVs to exceed 50-percent of total U.S. sales by 2030, a lot more electrified vehicles will enter the market in the coming years. We need a solution now.
That’s the point of this joint venture – to create a best-in-class charging network that will ensure that the BEV infrastructure will be ready to meet the growing number of BEVs and electrified vehicles on the road. Want to keep up with news on BEVs and the new charging network? Follow along with us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.