New High-Powered Charging Network Across America
Seven Automakers Collaborate to Create a Leading High-Powered Charging Network Across North America
Seven of the world’s leading automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, Stellantis NV – are creating a joint venture to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America. This will be done by making EV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable.
Together, the leading automakers will develop a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers to make zero-emission driving more attractive for millions of customers.
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song commented: “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.”
Utilizing 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 are expected to meet or exceed the requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
Although it is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the joint venture aims to become the leading network of reliable high-powered charging stations in North America.
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, making long-distance journeys easier for customers. The automakers intend to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.
Elevated Customer Experience
Focused on customer comfort and charging ease, the stations will be in convenient locations offering canopies wherever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience designed to showcase the future of charging.
Initial plans call for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes, aiming to offer a charging station wherever people may choose to live, work and travel.
The functions and services of the network will allow for seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management, and more. The network will also leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience.
An Open Network to Drive Electric Vehicle Growth
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States for use by 2.3 million electric vehicles. A Ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. The NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support 30-42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the road by 2030.
With the U.S. electric vehicle sales expected to exceed 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, the expansion of reliable charging infrastructure will become even more critical to widespread electric vehicle adoption.
The creation of a best-in-class charging network will ensure that the EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV sales and will foster the adoption of electric vehicles.
At Kia Country of Charleston, we’re excited for this joint venture between so many well-known vehicle brands. The need for EV charging in more areas is only increasing and it’s nice to see that there’s a solid plan in place to make it happen in North America.
If you have any questions about Kia Electric Vehicles, don’t hesitate to reach out with the form below.
0 comment(s) so far on New High-Powered Charging Network Across America