Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Seven automakers collaborate to build a high-power charging network

Many large companies are turning to electric vehicles to reduce pollution and achieve zero emissions and noise reduction. These vehicles can be powered by an electric motor that draws power from a battery and can charge from an external source, or the vehicle can be easily charged indoors. However, commercial charging stations are more energy efficient than most home stations, reducing energy waste.

One of the main challenges in EV charging infrastructure is the lack of public charging stations, which can create range anxiety for EV owners, as they cannot find a charging station when needed.

To overcome this problem, seven of the world’s leading automakers, including BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV, are coming together to create a leading high-power, convenient, accessible, and reliable charging network in North America.

The joint venture of these seven companies will involve developing a new high-power charging network by installing at least 30,000 chargers in urban and highway locations. The charging stations will be equipped with high-power D.C. chargers that will use plug-and-charge technology and will provide all the expected facilities at the station. These charging stations will be powered by renewable energy in line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers.

These charging stations will support Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors to accelerate the electric vehicle transition in North America.

According to an official statement, this collaboration is expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The main goal of the joint venture is to introduce a new high-power charging network to enhance the overall EV experience and promote EV adoption.

The network focuses on providing an enhanced customer experience and will provide reliability, digital integration and various amenities while charging at appealing locations.

The collaboration of seven major global automakers will pave the way for a more sustainable and EV-friendly infrastructure. This joint venture will also inspire other EV makes to promote EVs and build more sophisticated charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy.

The first station of this collaboration of global automakers is expected to open in mid-2024 and in Canada at a later stage.

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