Electric vehicles (EVs) are generating a lot of excitement in the car industry these days, but one big hurdle has slowed down their wider adoption: public charging. People wonder where to charge, how fast the process is, and what the costs will be. These uncertainties can deter folks from switching to an EV, even though the reality is not as complicated as it may seem.
To boost the EV transition and provide essential infrastructure for current EV owners, a group of major automakers has announced a significant investment in EV charging stations across North America. This consortium includes BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. Together, they’re investing in the installation of 30,000 EV chargers along key highways and in urban areas.
These chargers are scheduled to start becoming available by the summer of 2024. Importantly, they will be accessible to all EVs, not just those made by the participating companies. The chargers will be fast chargers equipped with both the CCS and NACS connectors for broad compatibility. The NACS connector is especially significant since Tesla and several other carmakers recently announced plans to use it.
This initiative will almost double the number of fast chargers available, which is badly needed. Moreover, these chargers won’t be randomly placed in inconvenient spots. According to the group’s press release, they will select strategic locations based on where people are most likely to need to charge during their trips. Initial builds will prioritize these high-need areas. Furthermore, many of these locations will feature multiple chargers and offer amenities such as canopy coverings for shade, restrooms, food, and stores. While we take these basic conveniences for granted at gas stations, EV chargers rarely provide them.
Adding 30,000 chargers is a substantial move given that the current number in the U.S. is just slightly higher than that. Even with this increase, there will still be fewer chargers than needed for the expected growth in EV adoption. This initiative represents a huge leap forward and demonstrates the kind of expansion in charging infrastructure that can only be achieved through collaboration between multiple companies. It’s a positive step that points to a future without the limitation of company-exclusive chargers, moving us forward in the early stages of widespread EV use.