Seven major automakers are banding together to build a new electric vehicle charging network in the United States and Canada in an attempt to compete with Tesla.
General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis said Wednesday they will install at least 30,000 high-powered charging plugs in urban areas and along highways in the near future. The collaborative partnership was formed to make zero-emission vehicles more attractive to customers, who may be concerned about long-distance travel.
SENATE VOTES TO KEEP CHINA FROM BUYING US FARMLAND
“To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we’re in favor of anything that makes life easier for our customers,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in a joint statement. “Charging is an inseparable part of the EV-experience, and this network will be another step to make it as convenient as possible.”
To start out, the group of automakers will establish a network of “reliable high-powered” charging stations across North America. The first stations are set to open in the summer of 2024.
The goal is to nearly double the number of EV charging plugs, which is currently around 36,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Tesla currently has the largest EV charging network in North America, with 2,050 stations and over 22,000 plugs.
Although the joint venture does rival Tesla’s charging efforts, drivers won’t have to choose between the two. They will have access to both Tesla’s North American Charging Standard plugs and the Combined Charging System plugs used by other automakers.
The announcement comes as the Biden administration continues pushing for half of American consumers to transition to electric vehicles by 2030. Sources from the White House told the Washington Examiner the administration welcomed the automakers’ joint venture.
“This is a win for American consumers and another big step toward our electric future,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Additionally, the new charging stations will meet the standards required by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program as well as the Made In America requirements.
“We are seeing tremendous momentum as private companies, cities, states, and utilities join forces behind our shared goal of convenient, reliable charging that reaches every pocket of America,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said. “This is what an all-of-America effort looks like.”