ChargePoint and General Motors today announced plans to jointly install up to 500 ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging ports at strategic locations across the United States. All GM Energy-branded locations are slated to open by the end of 2025.
Many of these stations will feature ultra-fast charging using ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform. This platform is capable of charging at a rate of up to 500 kilowatts.
Allowed charging speed varies by vehicle. Models with a 400-volt architecture charge more slowly than models with an 800-volt architecture. Evolving battery chemistry is implemented to allow faster charging as models are updated and redesigned.
GM Energy sites are already in use across the country. And ChargePoint isn’t the only company the automaker is working with. GM is working with EVgo to build more than 3,250 fast charging stations by the end of 2025.
“Continuing to provide better charging options to customers helps remove barriers to EV adoption and improve the ownership experience. GM drivers today have access to hundreds of thousands of charging locations, and we’re proud that this collaboration with ChargePoint delivers even more reliable, accessible and convenient charging.” Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, said in a press release.
General Motors
“With ultra-fast charging, Omni Port technology and an excellent customer experience, this collaboration should be another reason for EV drivers and EV enthusiasts to be excited,” he said.
ChargePoint stations will be equipped with the company’s Omni Port system. This system is designed to allow vehicles equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging System (NACS) charging ports to use any charger.
Most battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the road today have CCS charging ports. Many automakers are switching to NACS ports over the next year or two, adapting their models to the NACS style popularized by Tesla.
While companies have moved forward with plans to convert public chargers to NACS ports, the labor-intensive process is expected to take years. Meanwhile, plug adapters are used to bridge the gap. Car manufacturers such as Ford sell their own versions of adapters, certified for use with their brand vehicles.
General Motors currently sells several BEVs: Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV, GMC Hummer EV, GMC Hummer EV SUV and BrightDrop electric utility vehicles. The Cadillac Escalade IQ is expected to go on sale before the end of 2024, and the Cadillac Vistiq is expected to go on sale in early 2025.
