Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

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Pilot Travel Centers, General Motors (NYSE: GM) and EVgo (NASDAQ: EVGO) today announced the opening of the first 17 locations of a previously announced national electric vehicle fast charging network. Now  in 13 states, the network claims an “elevated charging experience,” providing EV travelers access to the same amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J travel centers.

“EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors. These new charging locations and the many more to come, will be critical for improving range confidence,” said Adam Wright, Pilot Travel Centers chief executive officer. “As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.”

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.”

Many locations throughout the network offer a variety of 24/7 amenities, products and services, including:

  • Multiple fast charging stalls at each site, with chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW.
  • Canopies to help protect drivers from the elements during charging.
  • Pull-through charging stalls to accommodate EV towing.
  • Centrally located chargers in well-lit areas, monitored around-the-clock by onsite staff.
  • Access to restrooms, food and beverage options, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Plug and Charge compatibility.

A so-called seamless digital user experience has also been built into this network. EV travelers will be able to find available charging locations via GM’s vehicle brand apps, Pilot’s myRewards Plus app, the EVgo app, PlugShare and other applications designed for EV drivers.* Beginning in spring 2024, GM and Pilot Travel Centers LLC will introduce exclusive benefits for GM drivers, including the ability to reserve a charger, and discounts on charging. All EV travelers can also save at Pilot and Flying J locations with regular deals on food, beverages and merchandise available in the myRewards Plus app.*

“As GM continues to advance its vision of an all-electric future, we’re collaborating broadly to accelerate access to convenient charging at home and on the go, offering additional confidence to prospective single vehicle customers considering an EV,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “This new network will provide EV drivers with a quality charging experience and greater peace of mind during road trips.”

By the end of 2023, it is expected that at least 25 Pilot and Flying J travel centers will have EV fast charging, with ~200 locations targeted by the end of 2024. In total, the network will include up to 2000 high-power fast charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the US.  Expansion sites for this network have been strategically selected for continued electrification of highly traveled corridors.

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*Inevitable Footnote: Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may also apply.

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