Electric vehicles are the way to go for people who want to do their part in curbing carbon emissions. The transition is happening slowly, although the overall availability of charging stations is an issue. General Motors, however, is doing its part to address the problem.
GM has partnered with electric charging company EVgo on a plan is to install over 2,700 new fast chargers in the U.S. so that EV owners have a place to recharge their vehicles. The move should be good news for electric vehicle owners, who may have worries of possibly running out of power at certain points. The move is also a great solution for folks who may not have the right infrastructure to properly charge their EVs at home or work, according to a GM release.
The rollout of these fast chargers will be carried out over the next five years. This endeavor will triple the size of EVgo's network, hoping the wider coverage can radiate around dense urban areas where charging may be a problem. These areas have their share of problems as far as properly charging EVs, especially for some who may be renting and unable to install chargers of their own. Some EV ca ownes have to deal with parking-related issues and are unable to run power cables down streets.
“In order to have confidence in an EV as your only vehicle, you have to have confidence that there is a robust network to charge your vehicle,” Mary Barra, CEO of GM, said.
GM and EVgo hope to install fast chargers just about everywhere, including shopping centers, grocery stores, and entertainment centers and other high-traffic locations. So far, roughly 40 metropolitan areas in the U.S. have been identified as hosts of charging stations. The chargers will range from 100 to 350 kW, providing added mileage even if just plugged in for only 15 minutes.
The first charging stations are expected to be ready by 2021. All will be powered by renewable energy. Charging is open to everyone although they need to be EVgo members. The typical EVgo charging session costs between $5 and $15.
The collaboration is timely considering GM is expected to make a big push in the EV segment this August. This includes the coming of the Cadillac Lyriq, a luxury all-electric crossover and the first vehicle to use the company's new Ultium EV platform. Not long after, the GMC Hummer EV is expected to follow suit.
