GM, EVgo to expand U.S. EV charging partnership

General Motors is expanding its partnership with the electric vehicle charging network EVgo, adding 400 fast chargers in major U.S. metropolitan areas starting next year.

The companies on Sept. 12 said the new EV charging stalls will be located near dining and shopping amenities in what they're calling "flagship" locations, with 350-kilowatt fast charging, lighting, canopies and security cameras. Most sites will have no more than 20 chargers, though some will be larger, in states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas. The chargers will be co-branded as both GM Energy and EVgo.

The initiative will help provide access to reliable charging for people traveling through densely populated areas and for residents of multi-unit buildings who don't have access to home charging, GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer told Automotive News. Increasing the number of chargers at a site is based on direct feedback from customers, he said.

"We're now connecting the dots," Sheffer said. "It's putting all these pieces together, ensuring that we can increase the rate of adoption for those that are considering EVs to say, 'Guess what? I need not worry.' "

Expanding access to public fast charging is seen as necessary to spur mass-market EV adoption. Sluggish EV demand growth has prompted some automakers to pull back investments and timelines for future electric models, with some consumers hesitant about pricing and charging availability. The charging network is small, but growing, and often faces issues of reliability.

"In order to be the charging provider of choice, we need to lead on customer satisfaction, and we will continue to innovate to deliver a charging experience that is convenient, comfortable, and dependable for current and future EV drivers," EVgo President Dennis Kish said in a statement.

GM and EVgo said they plan 2,850 fast chargers across the U.S., including the 400 flagship stalls, with 2,000 of those expected to be installed by the end of this year. The companies previously announced they are partnering to place 2,000 fast chargers at as many as 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers along highways, with 200 of those expected to open by the end of the year.