Seven Automakers Partner to Create EV Charging Network Across North America

Seven leading automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV – recently announced a joint venture to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America, by making EV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable. 

The joint venture will include the development of a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers to make zero-emission driving more attractive for millions of customers. 

With the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and, according to the press release, are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. 

The joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. 

The first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and in Canada at a later stage. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, aiming to make long-distance journeys easier for customers. In line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the joint venture intends to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.

For more information, read the full press release announcing the joint venture.