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GM EVs get Supercharger access in 2024, Tesla charge port in 2025

GM EVs get Tesla Supercharger access in 2024General Motors has announced that starting in 2025 it will build the Tesla charge port, called North American Charging Standard (NACS), into its future EVs. And so, with three out of three U.S.-based automakers now on board (Stellantis is based in the Netherlands), it seems we truly have a North American charging standard. The news, which follows…
Source: Hybrid and Electric Car News and Reviews

GM announces it will also adopt Tesla’s NACS connector

Following the news that Ford will adopt Tesla’s connector, now known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), GM is also confirming that it will adopt the charging standard.

This is likely the next step in a domino effect that should solidify NACS as the new charging standard for electric cars in North America.

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The post GM announces it will also adopt Tesla’s NACS connector appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward

Xcel Energy withdraws plan to build 700 EV charging stations in Minnesota

Utilities around the country have deployed public EV charging infrastructure, and continue to do so. However, this trend is controversial. Some say that utilities, with their monopoly power and their ability to charge ratepayers for the costs of installing infrastructure, could freeze independent operators out of the charging marketplace. Others argue that getting large numbers of public charging rolled out quickly should be the top priority, and that utilities have the resources to make that happen.

In Minnesota, a public utility recently lost a battle in this ongoing war. Local TV station WJON reports that Xcel Energy withdrew a plan to build more than 700 EV charging stations statewide, after the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a much smaller rate increase than the company was asking for.

The project was expected to cost some $197 million, which Xcel planned to recoup from ratepayers.

“Xcel was trying to take over Minnesota’s EV charging marketplace, which would have reduced infrastructure and service while raising prices for Minnesotans,” said Jay Smith, Executive Director of the Charge Ahead Partnership, a coalition of retailers, gas stations and convenience stores.

The Charge Ahead Partnership had argued against approval of the plan. Officials with the group claimed many existing gas stations are willing to offer EV charging, but are hesitant to invest if they have to compete with a public utility.

The state PUC’s ruling was “a win for Minnesotans,” said Smith. “Xcel’s attempt to extend its monopoly into the EV charging marketplace would have burdened all Xcel customers with higher power bills and discouraged private investment in EV charging.”

GM not planning to open or close any plants amid electric vehicle shift

General Motors (GM) believes it has the manufacturing capacity within its existing network as the transition to EVs heats up. The automaker does not plan to close or open new plants as it looks to maximize efficiency within its current footprint.

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The post GM not planning to open or close any plants amid electric vehicle shift appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward

ZEEKR rolls first X SUVs off assembly line, targets Tesla ahead of first deliveries

No, that is not a roman numeral ten. Burgeoning EV automaker ZEEKR has rolled the first models of its new “X” SUV off its assembly lines in China less than two months after its initial launch. The automaker sees the SUV as a competitor to Tesla and premium automakers as it expands outside of China into new markets.

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The post ZEEKR rolls first X SUVs off assembly line, targets Tesla ahead of first deliveries appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward