Before electric vehicles (EVs) can become a realistic option for many buyers, America will need a reliable charging network. It won’t need to be as extensive as our network of gas stations because most EV owners do most of their charging at home. But America loves a road trip. So we need the ability to recharge on road trips before many of us make the leap.
How does a charging station every 50 miles sound?
That’s the target automaker General Motors, charger network EVgo, and gas station giant Pilot Flying J announced today. The companies will partner to build a nationwide network of chargers, with a goal of putting a charging station every 50 miles on many American interstates.
Alongside Gas Pumps, Not Replacing Them
The companies will install about 2,000 350-watt fast charging stations at 500 Pilot Flying J locations by 2025.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About EV Charging Stations
They won’t take the place of gas pumps. Pilot CEO Shameek Konar explains, “An average Pilot Flying J location is about 10 acres,” so there’s plenty of room to add chargers without disrupting traffic to gas pumps. “This is a new source of energy that is going to coexist with gas for quite some time,” Konar adds. “We can debate how long, but we need to serve both groups of customers.”
Serve All Brands of EVs
The chargers will wear GM Ultium badges but will serve drivers of any brand.
Currently, Tesla operates the largest network of chargers in the U.S. But Tesla’s network is an island – it serves only Tesla cars. The White House last week announced that Tesla would be opening its supercharger network to serve owners of other car brands beginning this year, but Tesla officials have not confirmed the report.
Related: Can I Use Any Charger System with My EV?
No government agency or watchdog group keeps track of which company operates the largest charging network. EVgo calls itself “the nation’s largest public fast-charging network,” but several competitors make similar claims. This deal may help separate EVgo from that pack.
It’s not unusual for today’s EVs to take 20 or 30 minutes to charge to about 80% of their capacity. Building chargers at Pilot Flying J locations could also make the charging experience more comfortable, as drivers could shop and eat while they juice up their vehicles.
Pilot Company is in the process of upgrading many locations. In a statement, the company says, “Guests will have access to free Wi-Fi at most locations, expanded seating and lounge areas, updated and modernized restrooms,” and on-site restaurants.
