General Motors (GM) is to install 40,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the US and Canada, while Connected Kerb is to deploy 190,000 chargers in the UK.
GM will deploy charging stations at key locations in its dealers communities, including workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, sports and entertainment venues and colleges and universities.
The company says these charging stations will be available to all EV customers, not just those who purchase a GM vehicle.
The initiative will begin in 2022 as part of GM's commitment to invest nearly $750 million to expand home, workplace and public charging infrastructure through its Ultium Charge 360 ecosystem.
Ultium Charge 360 allows GM to work with policymakers, community leaders and industry groups to deploy charging stations or infrastructure faster and improve access for those that may not be able to install charging equipment at their homes, including apartment dwellers.
As part of the programme, GM is to give each of its dealers up to 10 charging stations and will also help them apply for incentives and other funding and access programmes.
Additionally, the company is offering its charging stations to customers through dealerships and online to provide more home or commercial charging options.
GM's range of Ultium Chargers includes an 11.5 kilowatt/48-amp smart charger, an 11.5 kW/48-amp premium smart charger and a 19.2 kW/80-amp premium smart charger.
Each charger features dynamic load balancing and can be upgraded over time through Over the Air updates with automatic download capabilities. The two models include a customisable touchscreen and an embedded camera.
Customers can set their charging schedule, view statistics on their charging habits and historical charging sessions and receive readouts of charger status through the GM brand mobile apps.
GM president Mark Reuss says: "These two initiatives are part of our plan to put everyone in an EV, making access to charging even more seamless than before. We want to give customers the right tools and access to charging where and when they need it, while working with our dealer network to accelerate the expansion of accessible charging throughout the U.S. and Canada, including in underserved, rural and urban areas."
In the UK, Connected Kerb’s deployment, worth up to £1.9bn, will be delivered by 2030. The company has secured new partnerships for 10,000 public on-street EV chargers across the UK in 2021 alone, the majority of which will be deployed across West Sussex and Kent. Deals for a further 30,000 chargers are expected conclude next year, as part of the company’s ambition to “level up” charging across the UK.
