General Motors (GM) and EV charging network ChargePoint announced they are joining efforts to install hundreds of ultra-fast EV charging ports across the US. Additionally, those new chargers will include ChargePoint’s recently released Omni Port technology, enabling both NACS- and CCS-equipped EVs to charge seamlessly.
ChargePoint ($CHPT) has been in the EV charging business since 2007 and currently offers a network of over 1 million EV ports across North America and Europe, making it one of the leaders in the space. No stranger to Electrek‘s homepage, we’ve seen multiple OEMs pair up with ChargePoint to roll out networks of branded fast chargers. This includes companies like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Cars, and Nikola.
Meanwhile, American automaker GM has been dabbling in several EV charging ventures, many of which have been spearheaded by its GM Energy division. GM Energy has rolled out several home and public charging solutions for EV drivers and commercial fleets, securing partnerships with developers like FreeWire.
Meanwhile, GM has been building out its own network of branded EV chargers with the help of ChargePoint competitor EVgo. It is also part of the seven-automaker charging alliance called IONNA. To continue to bring more EV fast chargers to the people, GM and ChargePoint have announced a new collaboration to bring hundreds of Omni Port plugs to drivers before the end of next year.
ChargePoint to deploy 500 kW GM Energy chargers
ChargePoint shared details of its plans to accelerate the number of EV fast chargers in strategic locations around the US alongside GM. The joint effort entails installing up to 500 DC fast chargers capable of rates as high as 500 kW via ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform.
The Ev chargers will be branded with ChargePoint and GM Energy logos, as seen above, and many will include the former’s Omni Port technology, unveiled this past August. The Omni Port system combines J1772 and NACS ports while maintaining the capabilities for CCS1 DC fast charging where available.
As a result, ChargePoint’s Omni Port eliminates the need for adapters and dedicated charging spaces based on specific EV plug types, so virtually all EV makes and models can be recharged (unless you’re driving a Nissan LEAF with CHAdeMO). ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer spoke about the collaboration with GM:
The transition to electric mobility continues to be driven by leaders such as General Motors offering innovative EVs and committing to make chargers as ubiquitous as possible. Our collaboration with GM represents a significant investment in the infrastructure to enable fast and easy charging for all. Together, ChargePoint and GM will deliver a seamless, fast charging experience via reliable charging hardware managed by our industry-leading software platform.
ChargePoint and GM state that their new collaboration is targeted at accelerating the expansion and availability of DC fast chargers in the US by offering an incentive program designed to make it easier for third-party charge point operators (CPOs) to own and operate the incoming EV charging infrastructure. The new ChargePoint chargers also add to GM’s growing arsenal of options for its drivers to utilize. Per GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer:
Continuing to provide customers with better charging options helps to remove barriers to EV adoption and improve the ownership experience. Today, GM drivers have access to hundreds of thousands of places to charge and we are proud that this collaboration with ChargePoint adds even more reliable, accessible and convenient charging experiences. With ultra-fast charging, Omni Port technology and excellent customers experiences, this collaboration should be another reason why EV drivers and the EV-curious should be excited.
ChargePoint and GM said they plan to roll out these new branded EV charging stations “rapidly,” all should be operational and open to the public by the end of 2025.
Author: Scooter Doll
Source: Electrek
