General Motors is expanding its partnership with electric vehicle charging network EVgo, opening 400 fast-charging stations in major U.S. metropolitan areas starting next year.
The companies said Sept. 12 that the new EV charging stations will be located near restaurants and stores in what they call “flagship” locations, featuring 350-kilowatt fast charging, lighting, shelters and security cameras. Most sites will have no more than 20 charging stations, though some will have more in states like Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas. The charging stations will be co-branded by GM Energy and EVgo.
The initiative will help provide access to reliable charging for people traveling through densely populated areas and for residents of multi-family homes who don't have access to home charging, GM Energy Vice President Wade Schaeffer told Automotive News. The increase in the number of chargers at the facility is based on direct customer feedback, he said.
“We're connecting all the dots now,” Schaeffer said. “We're putting all these pieces together to ensure that we can increase the adoption rate for people who are considering buying electric vehicles to say, 'Guess what? I don't have to worry about that.'”
Expanding access to public fast chargers is seen as essential to spurring mass adoption of electric vehicles. Sluggish growth in demand for electric vehicles has prompted some automakers to cut investment and timelines for future electric models, and some consumers are hesitant about the price and availability of charging. The charging network is small but growing, and often faces reliability issues.
“To become the charging service provider of choice, we must lead in customer satisfaction, and we will continue to innovate to provide convenient, comfortable and reliable charging for current and future EV drivers,” said EVgo President Dennis Kish.
GM and EVgo said they plan to install 2,850 fast chargers across the U.S., including 400 flagship stations, with 2,000 of those expected to be installed by the end of this year. The companies previously announced they were partnering to place 2,000 fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers along highways, with 200 of those expected to open by the end of the year.