Automakers Finally Investing More in EV Charging

In the early days of the EV revolution, the “chicken and egg” problem became very evident. Automakers were trying to sell electric vehicles (chickens) without enough EV charging (eggs) installed to support them. This led to a large amount of frustration among EV drivers and automakers alike. The drivers had many difficulties finding available charging, and the automakers saw dips in EV sales growth because of these frustrated drivers. Additionally, many car buyers held off moving from gas cars to EVs, witnessing the problems suffered by the early EV adopters.

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain momentum worldwide, automakers are finally stepping up their efforts this year to support this green revolution by heavily investing in EV charging infrastructure. With the global shift toward sustainability, governments pushing for carbon-neutral goals, and consumers demanding cleaner transportation options, automakers are realizing that a robust charging network is essential to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2030, there could be as many as 145 million electric cars on the road globally. To meet this growing demand, automakers are now focusing not only on producing EVs but also on ensuring that there are sufficient charging stations to support them.

More consumers are using public charging as more stations open. The Joint Office reported that in October, an additional 5,086 public charging ports came online, representing a 2.6% increase in our national charging network. There are more than 203,00 charging ports available across every state in more than 74,000 locations as of today, but we still have a long way to go, many more will be needed.

ChargePoint and GM Collaborate to Install Hundreds of Fast Charging Ports

On December 18, 2024, ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), and General Motors (GM) announced a collaboration to accelerate the growth of EV infrastructure across the U.S. The two companies plan to install hundreds of ultra-fast charging ports at key locations throughout the country. These chargers will feature the latest innovations in EV charging technology, improving accessibility and enabling drivers to recharge their vehicles more quickly than ever before. ChargePoint and GM aim to have these charging stations open and available to the public by the end of 2025.

“The transition to electric mobility continues to be driven by leaders such as General Motors offering innovative EVs and committing to make chargers as ubiquitous as possible,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. “Our collaboration with GM represents a significant investment in the infrastructure to enable fast and easy charging for all. Together, ChargePoint and GM will deliver a seamless fast charging experience via reliable charging hardware managed by our industry leading software platform.”

Branded as GM Energy, the collaboration between ChargePoint and General Motors (GM) will equip many of the planned charging locations with ChargePoint’s groundbreaking Omni Port system. The Omni Port allows vehicles with either CCS or NACS charging ports to charge seamlessly at any station, eliminating the need for adapters and ensuring flexibility without dedicating parking spaces to specific connector types. Many of these stations will feature ultra-fast charging via ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform, which supports charging speeds up to 500kW.

“Continuing to provide customers with better charging options helps to remove barriers to EV adoption and improve the ownership experience. Today, GM drivers have access to hundreds of thousands of places to charge and we are proud that this collaboration with ChargePoint adds even more reliable, accessible and convenient charging experiences,” said Wade Sheffer, GM Energy vice president. “With ultra-fast charging, Omni Port technology and excellent customers experiences, this collaboration should be another reason why EV drivers and the EV-curious should be excited.”

Through this partnership, ChargePoint and GM are accelerating the rollout of DC fast charging infrastructure across the U.S. The initiative includes an incentive program to simplify the process for third-party charge point operators (CPOs) to own and manage EV charging stations. The companies are working to rapidly deploy these new charging stations, with the goal of having them operational by the end of 2025.

IONNA and Sheetz Collaborate in Opening American Roads to EV Charging

IONNA, the innovative EV charging network founded by leading automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota, is teaming up with Sheetz, a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain, to launch an exciting new chapter in the electrification of transportation. This strategic partnership aims to provide electric vehicle (EV) drivers with convenient, accessible charging options at Sheetz locations.

IONNA and Sheetz are taking a “walk, less talk” approach to expanding EV infrastructure by prioritizing real-world convenience and accessibility for drivers. The partnership is a significant move to bridge the gap between the growing demand for EVs and the need for a robust, reliable charging network across the U.S.

The first step in this groundbreaking collaboration will see the opening of EV “Rechargeries” at three Sheetz locations in late December 2024, with stations in Springfield and Willoughby, Ohio, and Scranton, Pennsylvania. These strategically chosen locations will serve as convenient pit stops for EV drivers, offering more than just a place to charge—customers will be able to recharge both their vehicles and themselves, with Sheetz’s well-known convenience store offerings available for a quick break.

“At IONNA, every decision is made with the driver’s experience in mind. That level of customer centricity is built into the DNA of our business and it’s a quality we recognize in Sheetz, making them the right choice for our first partner,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA.

Sheetz, known for its convenience stores and food offerings, is continuing its expansion efforts with the ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 store locations by 2028. As part of this growth, Sheetz has partnered with IONNA, a company that will grow alongside them by installing 50 IONNA / Sheetz Rechargeries (likely charging stations or facilities) by the end of 2026.

This co-location strategy is just the beginning of a broader collaboration between Sheetz and IONNA, with plans to introduce incentives and loyalty programs for both IONNA and Sheetz customers by 2025. These programs are designed to enhance the experience for patrons, likely encouraging repeat visits and fostering customer loyalty.

IONNA is delivering on its mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of EV charging stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. The company plans to enable urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030.

Electrify America and Costco Open New Charging Stations

Electrify America, the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., has partnered with Costco Wholesale, one of the largest membership-based warehouse retailers in the world, to provide electric vehicle charging at five Costco locations. These stations are equipped with Hyper-Fast chargers capable of speeds up to 350 kW, helping to meet the increasing demand for fast, accessible charging. The charging stations are spread across California, Colorado, and Florida and are owned by Costco Wholesale, in collaboration with Electrify America’s Electrify Commercial team.

The Costco Wholesale charging stations are designed to be compatible with nearly all electric vehicle brands, with pricing determined by Costco Wholesale. They are also integrated into the Electrify America network, allowing customers to easily find the stations and pay for their charging sessions through the Electrify America app.

The five open Costco locations offering these chargers include Clermont, Florida (4600 Collina Terrace, with six chargers), Denver, Colorado (4717 Airport Way, with six chargers), Loomis, California (4107 Sierra College Blvd., with fourteen chargers), Pleasanton, California (7220 Johnson Drive, with ten chargers), and Sacramento, California (3881 E Commerce Way, with ten chargers).

Electrify Commercial, a division of Electrify America, provides customized EV charging solutions to various businesses, including retailers and electric utilities. This initiative enables companies like Costco Wholesale to own and operate their own charging stations while leveraging Electrify America’s extensive experience in building the largest open, DC-fast charging network in the U.S.

Electrify America is one of the largest and most prominent electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in the United States. Established in 2016 as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group of America, Electrify America was created as part of the company’s settlement in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal (often referred to as “Dieselgate”). The goal of the company is to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles by building a reliable, fast-charging infrastructure across the country.

EVinfo.net Encourages Automakers to Step up Charging Efforts

EVinfo.net is encouraged by these efforts by IONNA, GM, ChargePoint and Electrify America. However, we call for more automaker support of EV charging. To set off mass EV adoption in America and beyond, we must build out an extensive and robust EV charging network nationwide, and do that very quickly.

Automakers investing in EV charging infrastructure is not just a business strategy; it’s an essential step in the transition toward a cleaner, greener future. With their growing investments in charging networks, automakers are not only ensuring the success of their electric vehicle models but are also helping to drive the world toward widespread adoption of electric mobility. As these investments continue, we can expect to see a more interconnected and convenient EV charging network, allowing consumers to fully embrace electric vehicles without concern for charging availability. The road to a sustainable, zero-emission future is being paved—one charging station at a time.