GM ‘eXtends’ EV Charging Opportunities
DETROIT – Through EVgo’s “eXtending offer,” General Motors has announced that it would be collaborating with Pilot Company on a national DC fast charging network. The project is designed to bring charging availability to all urban and rural communities on the east and west coasts and metropolitan areas.
A network of 2,000 charging stalls will be available to all EV brands at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers, says GM. The stalls will be co-branded “Pilot Flying J” and “Ultium Charge 360.”
GM says the collaboration targets the installation of charging stalls at 50-mile intervals across the U.S. The company says this is part of its $750 million investment in EV charging infrastructure.
Pilot Company also recently announced its “New Horizons” initiative, investing $1 billion to fully upgrade its travel centers with more premium features that are uncommon for EV charging locations. This includes Wi-Fi, lounge areas, shopping, modernized restrooms and restaurants.
Features like exclusive reservations, charging discounts and Plug and Charge app features will be available for GM customers. The company says the collaboration is expected to enhance the EV driving experience in America.
Fast charging stations may also be featured in Pilot and Flying J travel centers, reaching up to 350 kW.
By the end of 2025, GM plans to have 3,250 fast chargers installed in American cities and suburbs in partnership with EVgo. GM says many of these sites will also include canopies for weather protection and pull-through capability. This will allow for an easier charging experience for larger vehicles, live electric pickup trucks and SUVs pulling trailers.
Mary Barra, GM Chair and Chief Executive Officer, says GM’s commitment to the EV charging plan is a “key piece of the puzzle.”
“With travel centers across North America, Pilot Company is an ideal collaborator to reach a broad audience of EV drivers,” she says.
GM and Pilot Company intends to combine a government grants and utility programs with private investments through this program, says Shameek Konar, Pilot Company Chief Executive Office. They decided this would reduce range anxiety and close gaps for necessary EV charging stations.
“Our travel centers are well-equipped to accommodate EV charging with 24/7 amenities and convenient proximity to major roadways across the country,” he says. “We look forward to collaborating with GM and the U.S. Department of Transportation to make convenient coast-to-coast EV travel a reality through our national network of travel centers.”
GM says that third party research has shown that a big barrier for EV adoption is charging access. This includes highway charging in underserved urban and rural communities.
“EVgo, GM and Pilot Company share a commitment to building an electric fueling network that increases access and makes the shift to electrification as frictionless as possible for all,” said Cathy Zoi, CEO at EVgo. “We look forward to this collaboration and ensuring the EVgo network provides nationwide coverage, including critical corridors for road trips.”
Through EVgo eXtend, Zoi says they are demonstrating an innovative pathway to help America exhibit EVgo’s technology and industry leaderships significance for a future of “cleaner future for transportation.”
Source: General Motors
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
