Seven automakers — the BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, the Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis — are creating a joint venture designed to accelerate the electric vehicles (EV) transition in North America by making EV charging more convenient, accessible and reliable.
A goal of the joint venture includes the development of a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers.
The joint venture plans to leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers.
The new charging stations will be accessible to battery-powered EVs from automakers using the Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are expected to “meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.”
According to an announcement from the participating automakers, the joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
The first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer 2024 and in Canada at a later stage.
The stations will include such amenities as restrooms, food service and retail operations — either nearby or within the same complex — wherever possible.
Initial plans call for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes.
