Aiming to deepen its foray into electric mobility and implement advanced technologies, General Motors (GM) announced that it will use Plug and Charge technology for its electric cars.
The solution enables fully automated charging operations. Drivers will be able to plug their electric vehicle into a station and recharge it immediately through an automatic authentication system, without the need to use apps or RFID proximity cards.
The innovation is available to Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Bolt/EUV drivers (if equipped with the fast charging option) who use EVgo chargers. The service will be expanded to include other charging partners in GM’s Ultium Charge 360 program in the coming months.
Availability
General Motors reported that this innovative technology will initially be available for all of its electric vehicles with DC fast charging capability at EVgo stations. After signing up, customers will unlock convenient fast charging on the EVgo network with the charger and car communicating to securely link the vehicle to the app account.
To sign up, GM customers must register their vehicle on the GM brand platform (myChevrolet, myGMC, myCadillac), link their EVgo account and activate Plug and Charge.
Infrastructure investment
Under its Ultium Charge 360 plan, which seeks to integrate charging networks, mobile vehicle apps and other products and services to simplify the overall charging experience for electric car owners, fleets and dealers, GM will commit $750 million.
In addition, the automaker is partnering with EVgo to install more than 3,250 additional fast chargers in the U.S. by 2025 and working with its dealers to add more than 40,000 Level 2 AC charging points in local communities in the U.S. and Canada.
General Motors EV Ecosystem Vice President Hoss Hassani emphasized that they seek to be the company that makes the electric vehicle experience seamless and convenient for everyone.
“Our collaboration with EVgo on Plug and Charge complements the work already done with Ultium Charge 360 and is part of our larger effort this year to expand charging infrastructure, access and education,” he added.
For his part, EVgo’s chief technology officer, Ivo Steklac noted that Autocharge technology is a convenient customer feature that can save drivers time by simplifying the fast charging experience while maintaining a high level of safety and security.
“In collaboration with GM, EVgo continues to implement new technology across multiple hardware and software platforms to enhance the charging experience,” he maintained.
