Will triple the size of EVgo network, rival Electrify America.
General Motors has just announced it is teaming with EVgo to significantly expand that outfit’s fast-charge network. The addition of more than 2,700 stations over the next five years, they say, will triple the existing size of the network.
The surprise move is a turnaround for the Detroit giant, which for years has preferred to work behind the scenes to improve charging infrastructure.
The official announcement does not provide all the details – dollar figures are not being released by the companies – but here is what we know:
We assume that the new chargers will be equipped only with the CCS Combo 1 (J1772 DC Combo) plugs, as those are the only DC plugs used by GM, and Nissan officially abandoned CHAdeMO in the North America.
Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO said:
“We are moving quickly to bring new EVs to market that customers will love. We know how important the charging ecosystem is for drivers, one that includes access to convenient and reliable public fast charging. Our relationship with EVgo will bolster the public fast charging network available to EV customers ahead of increased market demand and reinforce our commitment to an all-electric, zero-emissions future.”
The partnership with GM will be a major boost for the EVgo network, which has more than 800 locations (more than 300 in California) and as of early 2020, it had more than 1,250 individual chargers in 34 states.
The EVgo-GM project will be also a major counterweight for Volkswagen’s Electrify America. The question now is whether Ford will launch such a project or stick with existing networks?
General Motors is clearly aware that has no choice but step up its game in terms of charging infrastructure to support the upcoming EV push from Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet:
- The heart of GM’s strategy is a modular propulsion system and a highly flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries, allowing the company to compete for nearly every customer in the market today, whether they are looking for affordable transportation, a luxury experience, work trucks or a high-performance machine.
- On Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, Cadillac will reveal the luxury brand’s first fully electric vehicle, the Cadillac LYRIQ.
- Earlier this year, GM announced that the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant will be GM’s first plant that is 100 percent devoted to electric vehicles and in fall 2021, will start building the new GMC HUMMER EV.
- GM was the first automaker to launch a long-range, affordable EV in 2017 with the Chevrolet Bolt EV and will expand on the Bolt EV’s foundation with the introduction of the Bolt EUV in 2021.
In March 2020, GM announced plans to greatly expand employee workplace charging with the addition of 3,500 new plugs at GM facilities in the U.S. and Canada.- In 2019, GM announced the creation of Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture with LG Chem to mass-produce battery cells in Ohio for future battery-electric vehicles, and that GM is working with Qmerit to create a more accessible at-home charging solution.
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