The goal is to install chargers at 50-mile intervals across the country.
As General Motors readies itself to lead the electric vehicle charge, the company has looked beyond launching vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and occupied itself with improving the EV ownership experience. Not too long ago, America’s largest automaker announced an all-new app that would make charging a lot easier. But it seems that’s just the beginning.
GM has partnered with Pilot Company to create a nationwide DC fast-charging network comprising 2,000 charging stalls. This, says General Motors, will make longer road trips a breeze in electric vehicles. “We are committed to an all-electric, zero-emissions future, and ensuring that the right charging infrastructure is in place is a key piece of the puzzle,” said Mary Barra.
These new stalls will be powered by EVgo eXtend and will be available at as many as 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. What’s more, this extensive infrastructure will be open to all sorts of EVs – not just GM-branded vehicles.
Cadillac
Charging should be simple; some of the fast-charging stalls will be capable of charging at up to 350 kW. We don’t anticipate these future stations will be quite as luxurious as some of Audi’s charging hubs, but GM has said certain amenities will be made available. Weather-protecting canopies will be provided to protect customers while pull-through capabilities will be provided for EVs towing trailers.
As seen on the map below, GM and Pilot Company are aiming for the highlighted charging points to be operational sometime in 2023. The partnership hopes to introduce charging stations at 50-mile intervals, which would allow EV owners to embark on road trips without fear of running out of charge.
This is the latest charging initiative GM has launched. In October of last year, the automotive conglomerate announced it would install 40,000 Level 2 chargers across the United States and Canada, with many aimed at rural areas that have limited EV infrastructure.
General Motors
But that’s not all General Motors has planned. The company has set aside a whopping $1 billion to renovate its charging stations and provide more upmarket and premium services that are yet to be made available at charging stations. Aside from free Wi-Fi, EV owners will be able to enjoy some light shopping or top up their own tanks with food or premium coffee.
We’ve still got a long way to go before EV charging becomes as fuss-free as filling up with gas, but initiatives such as this prove we’re heading in the right direction. Tesla also plans to open up its vast Supercharger network to other brands, a move that will greatly benefit non-Tesla drivers.
“Through EVgo eXtend, we are demonstrating yet another innovative pathway to help America electrify – and showcasing why EVgo’s technology and industry leadership make us the partner of choice to site hosts, automakers, and drivers alike as we work together to deliver a cleaner future of transportation,” said EvGo CEO, Cathy Zoi.
