General Motors is looking to make recharging for electric vehicles as convenient as a gas fill-up by expanding its existing collaboration with EVgo to include ‘Plug and Charge’.
Having already expanded its working relationship with the electric vehicle charging network operator to deploy 3,250 charging stalls across the US by 2025, GM will now adopt EVgo’s Plug and Charge with its Ultium Charge 360 ecosystem in what is being called a “a simplified, efficient and accessible EV charging experience.” Admittedly, there are a few hurdles to cross before that.
Once activated, GM owners will be required to sign-up for an EVgo account as well as OnStar connected services and either the myChevrolet, myCadillac or myGMC app, depending on each drivers’ vehicle (Buick’s first EV won’t arrive before 2023). Once this, plus a one-time activation, has been completed though, plugging the charging cable into the EV’s port will begin the recharge immediately, streamlining the procedure in the process. Accounts are then billed automatically for each charge.
Though restricted to EVgo’s DC stations at present, GM has stated its intent to roll-out the Plug and Charge feature across “all compatible” fast-charging stations “in due course” to make recharging easier across its electric range, set to expand considerably by 2030. Currently the only referenced vehicles are GMC’s HUMMER EV, Cadillac’s LYRIQ and Chevrolet’s Bolt and Bolt EUV.
“We want to be the company that makes the EV experience seamless and convenient for everyone,” said Hoss Hassani, GM vice president of EV Ecosystem. “Our collaboration with EVgo on Plug and Charge complements the work already in place with Ultium Charge 360 and is a part of our larger effort this year to expand charging infrastructure, access and education.”
Though General Motors is apparently the first official manufacturer to offer the Plug and Charge service across multiple public networks in North America, it should be noted that a similar streamlined procedure has also been incorporated by Ford, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen in collaboration with Electrify America.
Alongside the 3,250 planned DC stalls with EVgo, GM, in collaboration with local dealers, is also looking to introduce 40,000 Level 2 chargers in local communities across the US and Canada as part of its on-going, “nearly $750 million” investment into charging infrastructure.
