US automotive manufacturer General Motors (GM) and Pilot, a North American fuel supplier and service station operator, are collaborating on a DC fast charging network to help increase access to charging and enable long-distance electric travel across the the USA.
The project is targeting the installation of 2,000 EV charging bays at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J service stations at 50-mile (80.5km) intervals across the country.
The network will be co-branded ‘Pilot Flying J’ and ‘Ultium Charge 360’, with the charging bays installed, operated and maintained by EV chargepoint operator EVgo through its eXtend offering.
The service stations plan to feature numerous fast-charging bays from EVgo, including 350kW high-power fast chargers.
GM EV drivers will receive exclusive reservations, discounts on charging, a streamlined charging process through Plug and Charge and integration into GM’s vehicle brand apps providing real-time charger availability and help with route planning.
The collaboration aims to demonstrate how public and private entities can build out the USA’s charging infrastructure, particularly along American highways, connecting urban and rural communities, the East and West Coasts and different metropolitan areas.
The project builds on Pilot’s recently announced ‘New Horizons’ initiative to invest US$1bn (£836.5m) to upgrade its service stations with more premium amenities and offerings not typically available at current EV charging locations.
“GM and Pilot Company designed this programme to combine private investments alongside intended government grant and utility programs to help reduce range anxiety and significantly close the gap in long-distance EV charger demand,” said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company CEO.
“Our service stations are well-equipped to accommodate EV charging with 24/7 amenities and convenient proximity to major roadways across the country.
“We look forward to collaborating with GM and the US Department of Transportation to make convenient coast-to-coast EV travel a reality through our national network of service stations.”
For GM, the project represents the latest in nearly US$750m (£627m) of investment in EV charging infrastructure, which includes working with EVgo to add more than 3,250 fast chargers in US cities and suburbs by the end of 2025.
“We are committed to an all-electric, zero-emissions future, and ensuring that the right charging infrastructure is in place is a key piece of the puzzle,” said Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO.
“With service stations across North America, Pilot Company is an ideal collaborator to reach a broad audience of EV drivers.”
Beyond this programme, GM and Pilot will continue working with key stakeholders to use new and existing public-private initiatives to accelerate the development of more public EV charging infrastructure.
