GM Kicks Off Dealer Community Charging Program

General Motors (GM) has already announced its intention to build, sell, and donate Ultium-branded chargers. The need for more electric car charging stations is obvious. But we can’t just replace gas pumps with charging stations; there will be a long overlap period. Plus, not everyone has the ability to install a charger where they live, and we will need many more charging stations than gas pumps simply because of the time it takes to charge an electric car battery. Also, not every electric car charger works for every brand or model of car. GM’s community charging program will help.

40,000 New Chargers

Through the Dealer Community Charging program, GM plans to install as many as 40,000 Level 2 chargers in the U.S. and Canada. These chargers will be available to all EV owners, not just GM brand vehicles. So far, approximately 1,000 GM dealers have enrolled in the program. Surely, these dealers are thinking the charging stations are a way to market their particular brand of electric and electrified vehicles.

Thankfully, the Dealer Community Charging program includes rural and urban areas, both of which have been underserved when it comes to EV charging options. The program began with Chevrolet dealers and will expand to Buick, Cadillac, and GMC dealers beginning in 2023. The first dealership to participate is Wheelers Chevrolet GMC in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Owner Mary-Jo Wheeler says “We’re excited to be the first dealership in the nation to have these chargers. This will put Marshfield on the map in terms of EV leadership.”

$750 Million Investment

Access to chargers has been and continues to be an issue. However, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC have many dealerships across the U.S. It makes sense since GM already has or has announced electric vehicles such as the Chevy Blazer EV, Bolt EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, as well as two future electric vehicles from Cadillac. Hoss Hassani, vice president of GM EV Ecosystem says “Nearly 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a GM dealership. Our dealers are deeply involved and trusted in their communities and are well positioned to determine locations that expand access to EV charging, including at small businesses, entertainment venues, schools and other popular destinations.”

The total investment for GM is about $750 million. Some of this work includes partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Company. FLO will provide the charging stations, which are produced in the U.S. in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The Dealer Community Charging program began with Chevrolet dealers. The program will expand to Buick, Cadillac, and GMC dealers beginning in 2023.