GM’s announcement―GM and Pilot Company to Build Out Coast-to-Coast EV Fast Charging Network―to build 2,000 EV charging stations across the country should inform VDOT’s plan for the feds. Says the release,
To accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs, increase access to charging and help enable long-distance electric travel of people and vehicles across the U.S., GM and Pilot Company (Pilot and Flying J) are collaborating on a national DC fast charging network that will be installed, operated and maintained by EVgo through its eXtend offering. This project demonstrates how public and private entities can come together to build out the nation’s charging infrastructure, particularly along American highways, connecting urban and rural communities, the East and West Coasts and different metropolitan areas.
This collaboration is targeting the installation of charging stalls at 50-mile intervals across the U.S. For GM, this development is one more step of its nearly $750 million investment in EV charging infrastructure, including:
• Enabling access to more than 100,000 charge points in the U.S. and Canada through its Ultium Charge 360 ecosystem
• Collaborating with EVgo to build out a network of 3,250 charging stalls in major metro areas by 2025
• Installing up to 40,000 chargers in local dealer communities through GM’s Dealer Community Charging Program, focusing on underserved rural and urban areas
The map below shows the Pilot/Flying J truck stops located in Virginia, based on the locations listed on the company’s website.
Between the GM announcement and The Verge story about the announcement, GM announces plans to build ‘coast-to-coast’ network of 2,000 EV chargers at truck stops, VDOT should focus on locations not covered by GM’s latest plan and those of other automobile manufacturers. Writes Andrew J. Hawkins,
General Motors announced a “coast-to-coast” network of fast electric vehicle chargers installed at Pilot and Flying J truck stops and managed by EV charging company EVgo. The announcement is the latest sign that legacy automakers will need to spend their own money to shore up the US’ fractured EV charging infrastructure in order to build customer demand for new plug-in vehicles.
GM and Pilot Company say the new network will include 2,000 DC fast chargers installed at up to 500 truck stops and travel centers, capable of offering speeds of up to 350kW. The charging stalls will be built along US highways with the expressed purpose of meeting the needs of long-haul trucking and road-trippers.
Have you taken the EV charging station survey or otherwise submit thoughts to VDOT for their plan?