GM, Pilot Company To Establish Coast-to-Coast EV Fast Charging Network in USA

GM and Pilot Company (Pilot and Flying J) have announced partnership for DC fast charging network that will be installed, operated and maintained by EVgo through its eXtend offering in the United States of America. The key objective behind this is to advance adoption of EVs, while also accelerating access to charging and making possible long-distance electric travel of people and vehicles across the U.S.

The official statement mentioned that the “project demonstrates how public and private entities can come together to build out the nation’s charging infrastructure.”

GM said that the “network of 2,000 charging stalls, co-branded ‘Pilot Flying J’ and ‘Ultium Charge 360,’ will be powered by EVgo eXtend and open to all EV brands at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers.”

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The Pilot and Flying J travel centers is looking at featuring various fast charging stalls by EVgo. This will also entail high power fast chargers with the potential of offering 350 kW. EVgo was chosen as a strategic collaborator due to its expertise in building, operating and maintaining DC fast charging infrastructure. Many of the charging sites will feature canopies to offer protection to customers from the elements while charging.

Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, said, “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.”

“GM and Pilot Company designed this program 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.

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As per studies, extensive accessibility to highway charging, specifically in underserved urban and rural areas, serves as a barrier to mass EV adoption.

Cathy Zoi, CEO at EVgo, said, “Through EVgo eXtend, we are demonstrating yet another innovative pathway to help America electrify — and showcasing why EVgo’s technology and industry leadership make us the partner of choice to site hosts, automakers and drivers alike as we work together to deliver a cleaner future of transportation.”

GM held that the project is an extension of Pilot Company’s recently announced ‘New Horizons’ initiative to invest $1 billion to fully upgrade its travel centers with more premium amenities and offerings that aren’t typically available at current EV charging locations.

This partnership is eyeing the establishment of charging stalls at 50-mile intervals across the U.S.