BMW Group, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, are planning to engage in a joint venture to add EV chargers across the USA and Canada. This joint venture is dependent on regulatory approval and closing conditions. Their plan calls for more at least 30,000 chargers starting next year. The new chargers will support both CCS1 and NACS plugs (which, in North America translates into supporting Non-Tesla and Tesla vehicles). The new stations are to support the Plug-and-Charge protocol; this means that the charger and vehicle will communicate with each other to automatically charge the drive with the driver not having to do any more than connect the charger to their car.

Starting in 2024 the group says it plans to deploy chargers along major highway and metropolitan areas first. They plan to make use of National Eletric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding being administered by the states to improve charging across major travel corridors. “the stations will be in convenient locations offering canopies where ever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food services, and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex.” This sounds a bit like they’ve re-invented the modern gas station, but with chargers instead of gas pumps. But this sounds like a significant improvement compared to some charging experiences, where the chargers may be in an isolated area of a parking lot with no rain cover and no buildings or restrooms nearby.

Some Auto Manufacturers Moving to Tesla Chargers

This announcement comes at the heels of several automakers announcing that they plan to transition from CCS1 chargers to support Tesla’s NACS. This includes Mercedes, Nissan, Rivian, Polestar, and Volvo. Though they made their announcements halfway through 2023, vehicles implementing the chargers are not expected until 2024 and 2025.

While I look forward to the expansion of EV charging availability, at the moment this announcement is aspirational. But it’s a space I plan to keep an eye on as I’m personally interested in seeing EV charging capabilities expand.

Statements from the Joint Venture Members

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.”

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.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe: “The creation of EV charging services is an opportunity for automakers to produce excellent user experiences by providing complete, convenient and sustainable solutions for our customers. Toward that objective, this joint venture will be a critical step in accelerating EV adoption across the U.S. and Canada and supporting our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.”

Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang: “Hyundai’s investment in this project aligns with our ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision in making sustainable transportation more accessible. Hyundai’s expertise in electrification will help redefine the charging landscape and we look forward to working with our other shareholders as we create this expansive high-powered charging network.”

Kia CEO Ho Sung Song: “Kia’s engagement and investment in this high-powered charging joint venture is set to increase charging access and convenience to current and future drivers and therefore accelerate the transition to EVs across North America. Kia is proud to be an important part of this joint venture with other reputable automakers as we embark on a journey towards seamless charging experiences for our customers and further strengthening Kia’s brand identity in the EV market.”

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.”

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares: “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.”

• GM’s Announcement
• Mercedes Announcement
• Hyundai Announcement
• Honda Announcement
• Stellantis Announcement

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