A group of major automakers has announced plans to start a company together that would provide electric vehicle charging in the United States, Reuters reports.
General Motors (GM), Stellantis, Hyundai Motor, Honda, BMW and Mercedes Benz have started a joint-venture company that plans to produce 300,000 chargers placed along highways and in cities.
Chief executives from the brands claimed that a charging station network resembling gas stations with restrooms, food service and retail operations would improve the process of transitioning to EVs.
The announcement introduces competition to Tesla, which has the largest network of fast chargers, currently having nearly 18,000 Superchargers across the country.
Many automakers have agreed to implement Tesla’s charging technology, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), in future vehicles–including GM.
GM claimed that its new company is meant to reduce costs and “won't change GM's existing commitments or collaborations.” Though it will be a competitor with Tesla’s charging network, it will support NACS as well as the Combined Charging System (CCS).
The new company was questioned on whether it would face pushback from U.S. regulators on antitrust grounds. A spokesperson responded that the companies would comply with regulatory approvals as outlined in a joint statement from them.
