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GM and ChargePoint to Launch Hundreds of “Omni Port” EV Chargers Across the Country by 2025

### GM and ChargePoint to Roll Out Hundreds of Ultra-Fast EV Chargers by 2025

With the electric vehicle (EV) market on the rise, the necessity for accessible, reliable, and rapid charging infrastructure is also increasing. General Motors (GM), in partnership with ChargePoint, has revealed plans to introduce hundreds of new DC fast chargers under the GM Energy brand by 2025. This initiative is part of GM’s larger strategy to promote EV adoption and improve the charging experience for its clients.

#### **A Move Towards Widespread Charging**

Despite GM’s recent shift towards hybrid vehicles, the company remains dedicated to expanding EV infrastructure. The collaboration with ChargePoint aims to tackle one of the major obstacles to EV adoption: the presence of fast and convenient charging solutions.

Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, *”The shift to electric mobility continues to be propelled by leaders such as General Motors offering innovative EVs and committing to make chargers as widespread as possible. Together, ChargePoint and GM will provide a seamless fast charging experience through reliable charging hardware managed by our top-tier software platform.”*

#### **Ultra-Fast Charging for Tomorrow**

A notable aspect of the new chargers is their ability to provide up to 500 kW of power. Although no current EV can take advantage of this charging speed, the infrastructure is being developed with future EV enhancements in consideration. This forward-looking strategy guarantees that the chargers will remain applicable as battery technology progresses.

Furthermore, many of the chargers will incorporate ChargePoint’s “Omni Port” technology, which accommodates both CCS1 and NACS (J3400) connectors. This dual compatibility enables nearly all EV drivers—excluding Nissan Leaf owners who utilize the CHAdeMO standard—to utilize the chargers. The addition of NACS connectors is especially important, reflecting the increasing trend among automakers, including GM, to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard.

#### **Improving the EV Ownership Journey**

Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, underscored the significance of enhancing the EV ownership experience. He remarked, *”Continuing to provide customers with improved charging options helps to eliminate barriers to EV adoption and enhance the ownership journey. With ultra-fast charging, Omni Port technology, and outstanding customer experiences, this partnership should inspire excitement among EV drivers and those curious about electric vehicles.”*

The introduction of these chargers is expected to complement GM’s ongoing efforts to make EV charging more attainable. Presently, GM drivers have access to hundreds of thousands of charging locations through partnerships and networks, and the addition of these new chargers will further strengthen the ecosystem.

#### **A Comprehensive Charging Network Vision**

While the promise of “hundreds” of chargers might appear modest in comparison to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, it constitutes just one component of GM’s broader infrastructure strategy. GM is also engaged in several other initiatives to enhance EV charging:

1. **IONNA Joint Venture**: GM is among eight automakers participating in the IONNA joint venture, which aims to establish 30,000 fast chargers across the U.S. by 2026. This includes installations at 50 Sheetz locations.

2. **Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers**: GM is collaborating with EVgo to install 2,000 fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers, catering to those traveling long distances or on road trips.

3. **Urban Charging Solutions**: For urban residents, GM Energy and EVgo are working together to deploy 2,850 chargers, with at least 400 locations featuring gas station-like canopies for added ease of access.

These initiatives collectively signify a substantial investment in EV infrastructure, showcasing GM’s dedication to facilitating the transition to electric mobility.

#### **Timeline and Anticipations**

The GM Energy/ChargePoint chargers are projected to be functional by the end of 2025. With their ultra-fast charging capabilities and dual-port configuration, these chargers are set to play a vital role in enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of EV charging for an ever-growing number of drivers.

#### **Conclusion**

As the EV market continues to thrive, the demand for robust charging infrastructure becomes ever more critical. GM’s collaboration with ChargePoint is a promising advancement in meeting this demand, providing drivers with quicker, more convenient charging options. By investing in future-ready technology and partnering with industry leaders, GM is establishing itself as a prominent player in the EV movement. For both EV fans and the EV-curious, these progressions herald a brighter, more interconnected future for electric mobility.

“Drug Transactions Skyrocket on Social Media, Skirting the Dark Web”

### The Transition from Dark Web to Social Media: The Evolution of Drug Sales

The realm of illegal drug transactions is experiencing a notable shift. Previously dominated by the obscure areas of the dark web, this trade is now increasingly transitioning to popular social media platforms and encrypted messaging services such as Snapchat, Telegram, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This evolution is altering the dynamics of how drugs are acquired and traded, presenting fresh hurdles for law enforcement, social media firms, and society in general.

#### The Emergence of Social Media as a Drug Marketplace

Social media sites have turned into a thriving environment for drug sellers, providing a convenience and access level that the dark web struggles to offer. Dealers employ a mix of emojis and coded terminology to promote their goods, complicating detection efforts by algorithms and law enforcement. For example, snowflakes and snowmen are frequently utilized to symbolize cocaine, while pill capsules and lightning bolts denote MDMA or molly. Even the maple leaf emoji has become a common representation of drugs.

This migration has simplified drug acquisition for consumers, who can now discreetly receive their orders via mail, avoiding the dangers linked to street-level dealings. The European Union Drugs Agency reports that drug sales through social media are “increasingly prominent.” Research indicates that in certain areas, like Ireland, as much as 20% of drug purchases are now organized through social media channels.

#### Reasons for Social Media’s Growing Popularity

Numerous factors are driving the rising preference for social media over the dark web:

1. **Accessibility**: Unlike the dark web, which necessitates specific software like Tor and familiarity with cryptocurrencies, social media platforms are well-known and broadly utilized. A quick search or keyword can link users to dealers in a matter of minutes.

2. **Convenience and Privacy**: Social media facilitates rapid communication and transactions, often eliminating the need for direct encounters. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram further improve privacy.

3. **Perceived Security**: Some users believe that purchasing drugs online provides enhanced quality control. For instance, Telegram channels often feature review and feedback sections where individuals discuss the quality of offerings from particular dealers.

4. **Integration into Routine Life**: Younger demographics, who are accustomed to online shopping for everything from groceries to gadgets, intuitively extend this behavior to drug purchases.

#### The Dark Web’s Evolving Role

While social media is emerging as the preferred venue for retail drug sales, the dark web is not entirely vanishing. Rather, it seems to be transitioning towards wholesale dealings. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that the average value of transactions on the dark web has risen, even as the overall number of transactions has diminished. This indicates that smaller individual buyers are gravitating towards social media, while larger operations continue to utilize the dark web.

#### Risks and Complications

The movement of drug sales to social media introduces its own array of risks and complications:

1. **Targeting Vulnerable Groups**: Social media platforms facilitate easier targeting of younger and more susceptible users by dealers. Research by Ashly Fuller from University College London revealed that 60% of teenagers had encountered drug-related content on social media, and 10% had bought drugs through these platforms.

2. **Quality and Safety Issues**: While some argue that online drug markets offer superior quality control, no formal assessment verifies this. The availability of hazardous substances like fentanyl in online drug sales remains a serious worry.

3. **Fraud and Exploitation**: Not every online dealer is legitimate. Some users report being scammed or threatened after transferring money to illegitimate accounts.

4. **Law Enforcement Obstacles**: Social media platforms offer a degree of anonymity that complicates law enforcement’s ability to trace and capture dealers. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has cautioned that social media broadens the reach of drug cartels directly into users’ devices, making it more challenging to combat the trade.

#### The Responsibility of Social Media Companies

Social media networks face increasing demands to tackle the drug sales issue. Companies like Meta (the parent of Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, and TikTok assert that they are taking measures, removing millions of drug-related materials each year. For instance, Meta reported the removal of 9.3 million drug-related items in 2023, while Snapchat acted in over 240,000 cases in the latter half of the same year.

Nonetheless, critics contend that these initiatives are often indiscriminate, occasionally targeting harm reduction organizations and educational resources about drugs. Additionally, the sheer enormity of the issue makes it challenging for platforms to keep pace, despite improvements in AI and machine learning algorithms aimed at spotting drug-related activity.

#### The Future of Drug Transactions

As enforcement efforts on platforms like Telegram and Instagram ramp up, experts caution that dealers may simply shift to alternative platforms or devise new strategies to avoid detection. This ongoing cat-and-mouse game continues to complicate the landscape of drug sales.

“Contribute to Our Yearly Charity Initiative and Get a Shot at Winning Special Merchandise”

### Help Drive the Ars Technica Charity Total Beyond $16,000 in Just Over a Week

The festive season is a time for generosity, and Ars Technica’s yearly Charity Drive is currently underway, providing readers the opportunity to support worthy causes while also entering to win a selection of exciting prizes. Having raised nearly $16,000 in just over a week, the drive is off to a promising beginning, yet there’s ample opportunity to amplify the impact further. Whether your interests lie in championing digital rights or aiding children in need, this charity initiative is a wonderful chance to give back while also having the opportunity to win over $4,000 in prizes.

### The Charities: EFF and Child’s Play

This year, the Ars Technica Charity Drive is backing two remarkable organizations:

1. **Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF):** The EFF is a nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding civil liberties in the digital age. From advocating for privacy rights to championing free speech online, the EFF tirelessly strives to ensure technology benefits the public.

2. **Child’s Play:** This charity aims to enhance the well-being of children in hospitals and domestic violence shelters through the gift of play. By supplying toys, games, and other forms of entertainment, Child’s Play brings joy and solace to children navigating tough situations.

At present, donations are shared between these two initiatives, with Child’s Play enjoying a slight edge. Nevertheless, both organizations equally deserve your backing, and every donation contributes to their cause.

### How to Get Involved

Participating in the donation and sweepstakes process is straightforward and easy. Here’s how you can join in:

1. **Make a Donation:**
– Support **Child’s Play** via credit card, PayPal, or by selecting an item from their Amazon wish list for a particular hospital. You can also visit the [Ars Technica campaign page](https://my.onecause.com/fundraiser/organizations/8534d777-53ce-4d94-a537-c8e0cbb7acb0/fundraisers/fundraiser:ae0c129c-94ac-4e63-a265-20b71ac4bd03) to donate directly.
– Donate to the **EFF** using PayPal, credit card, or cryptocurrency via their [donation page](http://eff.org/AT2014).

Feel free to contribute any amount that suits you—each bit helps these vital organizations continue their important work.

2. **Enter the Sweepstakes:**
After donating, register your entry by sending a digital receipt (like a forwarded email, screenshot, or text copy) to **[email protected]**. Ensure you include your name, mailing address, daytime phone number, and email address.
– Deadline: Entries must be in by **11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2025**.
– Note: Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase is needed to enter. For additional information, check the [official rules](https://arstechnica.com/2024-ars-technica-charity-drive-official-rules/).

3. **Win Fantastic Prizes:**
Winners will be notified and allowed to select their prizes based on the order they are drawn. The prize pool features over $4,000 in hardware, collectibles, and more, with selections to be finalized by **January 31, 2025**.

### Why You Should Donate Now

Although the charity drive continues until early January, there’s no need to postpone your donation. By contributing today, you ensure that your support is put to use right away, assisting these incredible organizations during the holiday period. Plus, you’ll secure your sweepstakes entry while it’s at the forefront of your mind.

### A Look Back: The Record to Beat

In 2020, Ars Technica readers set a benchmark by contributing over $58,000 during the charity drive. This year’s initiative is off to a vibrant start, but there’s still a long way to go to meet or exceed that record. With your help, we can turn 2024 into another landmark year of altruism and compassion.

### Join the Movement

The Ars Technica Charity Drive is more than merely a fundraising campaign—it’s a collective effort to effect positive change in the world. By taking part, you’re not just supporting two extraordinary causes but also becoming part of a giving tradition that has brought joy and relief to countless lives throughout the years.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to the donation pages for [Child’s Play](https://childsplay.salsalabs.org/Donate/index.html) or the