### 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.
