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GM and Pilot Company to Build Out Coast-to-Coast EV Fast Charging NetworkPowered by EVgo eXtend, this network will help enable long-distance electric travel across the U.S. DETROIT and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 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. GM customers will receive special benefits like exclusive reservations, discounts on charging, a streamlined charging process through Plug and Charge and integration into GM's vehicle brand apps providing real-time charger availability and help with route planning. This collaboration is expected to enhance America's EV driving experience. The Pilot and Flying J travel centers plan to feature numerous fast charging stalls provided by EVgo, including high power fast chargers capable of offering up to 350 kW1. EVgo, which is also working with GM to add more than 3,250 fast chargers in American cities and suburbs by the end of 2025, was chosen as a strategic collaborator due to its expertise in building, operating and maintaining DC fast charging infrastructure. Many of these sites will feature canopies to help protect customers from the elements while charging, as well as pull-through capability allowing convenient charging for electric pickup trucks and SUVs pulling trailers. "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," said Mary Barra, GM Chair and Chief Executive Officer. "With travel centers across North America, Pilot Company is an ideal collaborator to reach a broad audience of EV drivers." "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 Chief Executive Officer. "Our travel centers are well-equipped to accommodate EV charging with 24/7 amenities and convenient proximity to major roadways across the country. We look forward to collaborating with GM and the U.S. Department of Transportation to make convenient coast-to-coast EV travel a reality through our national network of travel centers." Third-party research shows that widespread access to highway charging, particularly in underserved urban and rural areas, is a significant barrier to mass EV adoption2. "EVgo, GM and Pilot Company share a commitment to building an electric fueling network that increases access and makes the shift to electrification as frictionless as possible for all. We look forward to this collaboration and ensuring the EVgo network provides nationwide coverage, including critical corridors for road trips," said Cathy Zoi, CEO at EVgo. "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." 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:
Beyond this program, GM and Pilot Company will continue working with key stakeholders to use new and existing public-private programs to accelerate the development of more public EV charging infrastructure. 1.Actual charge times will vary based on vehicle capabilities and settings. 2.2021 Escalent Study, "2021 EV Adoption Barriers." About General Motors About Pilot Company Pilot Company is currently ranked No. 7 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. For additional information about Pilot Company, its 30,000 team members and commitment to giving back, visit www.pilotcompany.com. About EVgo Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by General Motors management may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements represent our current judgement about possible future events and are often identified by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "appears," "approximately," "believe," "continue," "could," "designed," "effect," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "initiative," "intend," "may," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "priorities," "project," "pursue," "seek," "should," "target," "when," "will," "would," or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions. In making these statements, General Motors rely upon assumptions and analysis based on its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors it considers appropriate under the circumstances. General Motors believes these judgements are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors, many of which are described in General Motors' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. General Motors caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and General Motors undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where General Motors is expressly required to do so by law.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-and-pilot-company-to-build-out-coast-to-coast-ev-fast-charging-network-301586678.html SOURCE General Motors Co. |