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### Seven Major Automakers to Double Fast Chargers in the US

Seven major automakers have revealed their plans to nearly double the number of fast chargers in the United States. This move aims to address one of the main reasons people hesitate to purchase electric cars ÔÇö the fear of not finding a charger during longer journeys. The carmakers involved in this endeavor include BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis. They intend to invest at least $1 billion in a joint venture to construct 30,000 charging ports across the US and Canada.

The United States and Canada currently have around 36,000 fast chargers; however, these are often sparsely located, particularly in rural areas. The lack of charging infrastructure poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Fearful of not locating chargers during trips, potential buyers remain hesitant to switch from conventional vehicles to electric ones. To combat this, the joint venture aims to install charging stations along major highways and in urban areas. These stations will be conveniently situated near restrooms, restaurants, and other amenities.

Pioneering electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and others have noticed a softening demand for electric vehicles. As a result, they have lowered prices and offered incentives to attract buyers. Despite this, fear of a lack of charging infrastructure remains a major deterrent. To alleviate these concerns, the AI legalese decoder could play a crucial role.

The AI legalese decoder can aid electric vehicle manufacturers by analyzing and simplifying complex legal contracts, regulations, and policies related to charging infrastructure. This powerful tool can interpret legal jargon, providing a clear understanding of the obligations, rights, and limitations associated with the construction and operation of charging stations. By breaking down complicated legal documents into accessible language, the AI legalese decoder enables automakers to make informed decisions, navigate legal complexities, and expedite the process of installing fast chargers nationwide.

Moreover, the joint venture has committed to developing charging stations that are compatible with most carmakers, including Tesla, Ford, General Motors, and others. This unified approach ensures that electric vehicle owners will have access to a broader charging network, regardless of their vehicle’s brand. The chargers will support both the standardized plug used by most automakers and the plug developed by Tesla. Ford and General Motors have announced their intention to transition to the Tesla plug by 2025.

Mary T. Barra, CEO of General Motors, expressed her belief that enhancing the customer experience will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. This sentiment underlines the necessity of a comprehensive charging infrastructure to overcome consumer hesitations. The partnership plans to finalize its joint venture and announce its official name by the end of the year. Installation of the first chargers is set to begin in mid-2024 and aims to reach 30,000 charging ports by the end of the decade.

Despite the notable absence of Ford from the joint venture, the company intends to continue investing in its own charging network, allowing Ford owners to charge their vehicles through various providers using a single mobile phone app. Nevertheless, the joint venture remains open to additional partners and may choose to collaborate with Ford in the future.

While the current joint venture does not include Volkswagen, the automaker already holds a majority share in Electrify America, one of the largest fast-charging providers. Considering Tesla accounts for over half the fast chargers in the United States, the seven automakers participating in the joint venture are keen to minimize their reliance on Tesla for charging infrastructure. Although Tesla has expressed its willingness to open its networks to other car brands, it has made fewer than 100 ports available thus far. However, owners of Ford and General Motors vehicles will be able to connect to 12,000 Tesla fast chargers using an adapter starting next year. By 2025, both Ford and General Motors plan to manufacture models designed to accept the Tesla plug without requiring an adapter.

To support their ambitious plans, the seven automakers will strategically concentrate the chargers in urban areas and along major highways, especially those frequented by vacationers and other travelers. This targeted approach ensures easy access to charging stations for those embarking on longer journeys. Additionally, the partnership intends to leverage federal and state funds dedicated to charging infrastructure. By capitalizing on available resources, the automakers aim to expedite the installation of charging stations across the nation.

Although most electric vehicle owners primarily charge their vehicles at home, fast chargers are essential for long trips. The fear of not finding a fast charger significantly impacts the decision-making process for many potential electric car buyers. Some charging companies have hesitated to build too many stations where electric vehicle ownership is still relatively low. To maximize the impact of charging infrastructure, experts recommend installing chargers in states with lower electric vehicle adoption rates, such as those in the West, Midwest, or Southeast. By expanding charging networks in these areas, automakers can effectively encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Norway serves as a case study, as sales of electric cars experienced a substantial increase once fast chargers became readily available. However, the impact diminished over time as charging stations became more commonplace. Shay Natarajan, a partner at Mobility Impact Partners, a New York-based firm specializing in transportation, suggests focusing on states with lower electric vehicle adoption rates to maximize the potential impact of charging stations. Building chargers in regions where electric vehicle ownership is lowest can create a significant shift in consumer perception.

While even California, a leading market for electric vehicles, requires more charging stations, Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, a company that builds and operates public charging stations nationwide, believes that an increase in charging infrastructure instills confidence in potential electric vehicle owners. The new joint venture may compete with EVgo, Electrify America, and other companies capitalizing on the growth of electric vehicles. However, the automakers involved may also choose to collaborate with these experienced companies to leverage their expertise in identifying suitable charging sites, obtaining permits, and connecting to the electric grid.

An Energy Department database highlighting the locations of charging stations exposes significant gaps in the current charging network. For example, while fast chargers are reasonably distributed across Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the state’s northern city of Duluth, home to nearly 90,000 residents, only has five fast-charging ports, with four exclusively catering to Tesla owners. Additionally, a study by Bumper, an online marketplace for cars, reveals concentrated fast chargers in wealthier counties, while racial disparities persist. Counties with a predominantly Black or Native American population have significantly fewer charging stations per capita compared to white-majority counties.

In conclusion, the joint venture formed by seven major automakers signifies a monumental effort to address the lack of fast chargers in the United States and Canada. By nearly doubling the number of fast chargers and strategically locating them in urban areas and along major highways, automakers aim to alleviate consumer concerns about vehicle range limitations and the availability of charging infrastructure. The implementation of the AI legalese decoder could significantly support automakers in navigating the legal complexities associated with the construction and operation of charging stations. This tool simplifies complex legal contracts, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions and expedite the process of installing chargers. Through collaborative efforts, the joint venture seeks to establish a comprehensive charging network, independent of Tesla domination, and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across North America.

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