How Tesla Sparked The Most Unlikely Automotive Alliance Ever

Jul 09, 2023

Watch out, Tesla; seven major car manufacturers recently announced their ambitious plan to build 30,000 EV charging stations throughout North America.

In the race to accelerate the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, Tesla has long been at the forefront, boasting a vast network of Superchargers that have given its electric cars a competitive edge. However, a seismic shift is underway as a group of major automakers, once seen as rivals, come together to challenge Tesla's charging dominance and revolutionize North America's EV landscape.

Announced on Jul 26, 2023, the ambitious plan outlines the creation of an extensive public EV charging network backed by the combined efforts of General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. The coalition aims to construct over 30,000 new charging stations across the continent, significantly expanding the current infrastructure and ushering in a new era of accessible and convenient charging for all EV users. The Achilles' heel of EVs, charging infrastructure, and availability is set to receive a monumental boost. By addressing the challenges of inconsistent services, varying plug types, and limited locations, the coalition seeks to make EV charging a seamless experience, eliminating the need for drivers to plan their routes around charging stations carefully.

This unprecedented EV charging network's key distinguishing feature is its commitment to incorporating the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. With this inclusive approach, practically any EV can utilize the charging stations, eradicating the limitations faced by owners previously bound to specific connector systems.

Related: 10 Ways Electric Cars Have Changed The World

In a turn of events, seven major auto brands have decided to team up to beat Tesla in terms of charging stations and availability throughout North America. This coalition has been long talked about, with companies including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis all teaming up to construct the most expansive charging network ever. The plan was created to double the current charging output throughout the continent, with EV drivers having better, more accessible options for fast charging their vehicles while driving.

Auto companies, including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, have announced their ambitious plan to build 30,000 charging stations throughout the US and Canada starting in 2024.

Tesla is known for its Superchargers, with stations as far as the eye can see. The mega-company has long been a pioneer within the EV sector and continues to outshine many competitors. However, with an alliance of this magnitude: could Tesla be in trouble? Technically, yes. With these seven companies investing billions into EV infrastructure, the new and improved charging system without Tesla's branding could put them on the back burner for potential shoppers. In this industry, it's all about brand awareness. When Tesla is the only electric car someone people know of: that introduces a problem for brands like BMW, GM, Honda, etc.

This coalition wants to have its own claim to fame in the EV market, cementing its commitment to the notion. Tesla's only ever been an electric car, so it is synonymous with the concept.

Related: Mercedes Will Challenge Tesla's Supercharger Network Beginning In North America

With this collaborative effort already in the final stages, Tesla's long-standing and expansive Supercharger network will soon be a thing of the past. A significant part of this news is that through the seven major automakers teaming up on the project: Tesla is outnumbered (by a lot). Considering that GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis are set to build over 30,000 new public EV charging stations in North America in the next few years, this could spell trouble for Elon Musk's brand.

One of the major bonuses to driving a Tesla used to mean only you could supercharge at a Tesla station. However, this 30,000+ charging plan for the U.S. and Canada will break up the Monopoly Tesla has created and encouraged. We're seeing the market become broken into many smaller pieces rather than one company having everything. With this new plan, the idea of fast-charging an EV doesn't have to be Tesla-only. Instead, it allows other EV drivers to find a station, charge for 20-ish minutes, and be on their way.

This collaborative effort between seven powerhouse car makers will expand North America's EV charging network, nearly doubling it in the next year.

Companies like GM, Honda, Kia, Mercedes, Hyundai, BMW, and Stellantis have loyal customer bases, meaning they can expand their electric lineup and production with a collaborative project like this one. The easier it becomes to charge a car: the more customers these typically gas-powered companies will attract. That could push Tesla to lower the electric totem pole.

Related: Why The Supercharger Network Is One Of Tesla's Biggest Selling Points

One of the more surprising aspects of this 30,000+ charging station network is the plan to make it as universal as possible. Per reports, these chargers will be compatible with electric vehicles using the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla's proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors. That would create a universal option for people needing to charge their cars, all seamlessly connected to each automaker's apps/payment. Charging stations throughout this system will use payment processors to streamline the process, allowing someone in a Mercedes, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, or even Tesla to pull up, charge, and hit the road.

That in itself is very inclusive to all EV drivers, something Elon Musk has not considered. For Tesla, it's all about Tesla. Drivers have access to Tesla-only Superchargers, where they have the luxury of waiting 15-20 minutes and being set for the day. Until now, other people didn't have as easy access to that luxury. Therefore, this coalition is far more significant than a one-up against Tesla. We're looking forward to more of these projects between brands, especially with many claiming to go carbon-neutral by the turn of the decade. 30,000 more charging stations also means easier and quicker charges for EV drivers across the board. That has been one of the main drawbacks of driving electric vehicles, with this new plan hoping to eradicate the headache. Related: A New Stellantis Gigafactory Ensures That Jeep And Chrysler’s Future Is Safe

With this ambitious seven-company plan to build 30,000 charging stations for EVs underway, it's already making major waves worldwide. The concept of a vast charging network meant for everybody in an electric vehicle has never been done at this scale, so it's certainly worth celebrating. According to the coalition, stations will reside across major urban and highway locations along commuting corridors, vacation routes, and more. Furthermore, per the group's statement, proximity to amenities like bathrooms, food, and retail will be important in the location selection process. They want to make charging during road trips and popular commutes fast and simple.

Participating brands will integrate charging network functions directly into their vehicles. According to the plan, owners can plan routes, create reservations, use payment apps, and use various other functions seamlessly. This new charging network aims to upend the system by offering NACS and CCS charging connections. It means practically any EV can pull up to a station and hook up for a charge — a significant advantage over existing stations from Tesla and Electrify America.

This, with other federally-backed EV initiatives, could put Tesla on the back end of the movement, making way for other players in the game to shine. After all, a healthy market is one with equal competition.

Hey! My name is Noah, and I am a full-time content creator focusing on the automotive genre. Whether it's uncovering the next big trend, discussing new EVs, or comparing vehicle models: I'll be here with factual, friendly writing. Thank you for reading :)