Advancing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the US

In late July, several major automakers announced that they would be embarking on a groundbreaking partnership that has sparked excitement and hope for the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The collaboration addresses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of EVs: the lack of convenient and fast charging infrastructure. This joint venture represents a real opportunity for communities to incorporate EV charging infrastructure into their projects and sites by leveraging the considerable expertise from the industry.

Driving Progress: The Joint Venture

General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis are the automakers that have joined forces to help communities throughout the country build EV charging infrastructure. The initiative will establish a fast-charging network for EVs and is now underway. The goal of the initiative is to deploy 30,000 charging stations throughout the United States and Canada with the hopes that better and more widespread access to charging stations will make the purchase of EVs more attractive for consumers.

Generally, the charging stations will be located around major cities and popular travel routes for driver convenience. The stations will feature state-of-the-art level three fast chargers capable of charging an EV’s batteries to 80% within 30 minutes. The charging stations will also be constructed with canopies to protect users from weather extremes.

Additionally, the stations will be built near dining establishments, retail stores, and restroom facilities. To further the automakers’ commitment to sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction, the initiative will use renewable energy sources to power the chargers.

Promoting Accessibility and Interoperability

The partnership will develop a user app to help consumers locate EV charging stations. The collaborative effort strongly emphasizes user-friendliness, so the app will be compatible with those of participating automakers. This approach allows drivers to locate and initiate charging easily, ultimately improving the overall experience of owning an EV.

It is crucial to note that the charging network isn’t restricted to the seven collaborating automakers; vehicles from other manufacturers will also have access to these charging stations. This partnership is not solely about advancing their respective brands but creating a unified and accessible charging infrastructure for all EV users.

Seizing Opportunities: The Growing Demand

The initiative is arriving at the perfect time, as the demand for EVs is predicted to rise in the coming years. Recent findings from a Cox Automotive survey suggest concern among potential EV buyers about the availability of charging options, although this sentiment is slowly declining.

Future emissions standards outlined by the United States government, focusing on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, are expected to encourage the widespread adoption of EVs. Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately half of all new vehicles sold in the United States will be electric. If this projection holds, an estimated 182,000 fast chargers will be needed.

Walden’s Commitment to Progress

At Walden, we are at the forefront of guiding our clients and the communities that they serve as they begin their journey to embracing EV technology and sustainable practices. We have experience in site selection and design of charging stations, conducting comprehensive environmental assessments and investigations as part of permitting and due diligence processes, pursuing government and private sector grants, and offering education and public outreach to raise awareness about these cutting-edge technologies.

The joint venture’s commitment to creating an extensive EV fast-charging network is a prime example of what can happen when industry thinks strategically, drives innovation, and commits to social responsibility.

If you have questions about EV chargers or are facing site challenges, contact Walden today and let us help you. Call 516-518-3705 for more information.