General Motors (GM) has made significant progress in its mission to build a coast-to-coast electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with the installation of chargers at 130 locations across 25 states. The partnership between GM, EVgo, and Pilot aims to make road trip plans easier for EV owners, particularly as EV adoption grows and drivers prepare for spring and summer travel.

The expanded charging network, which launched in 2022, plans to install 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J truck stop locations nationwide. Currently, the partnership has installed electric vehicle chargers at 130 locations, with each station set up with gas station-style canopies and space to drive electric trucks with trailers through the station for easy charging.

Pilot has created a website that shows which locations have EV charging stations and their statuses, including whether they're in use. Most locations seem to only have the capacity for four vehicles to charge at any given time. Each stall has two CCS1 plugs and up to 350kW speed when a single compatible EV is connected.

GM claims that some EVs can charge up in "as little as 15 minutes," but only a few EVs can achieve the maximum charge speed, and only in small bursts and probably not up to 100 percent. For most EV models, drivers can expect a 20 to 80 percent charge in around 30 minutes. In comparison, a Level 2 AC home charger could take 3-6 hours to fill up.

In addition to the highway locations, GM and EVgo have another deal to build EV charging stalls at urban locations. In December, the two companies announced that they had installed 2,000 of the 2,850 planned fast-charging stalls.

The expansion of the EV charging network is a significant step forward for EV adoption, making it more convenient for drivers to own and operate electric vehicles. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, the need for a comprehensive and reliable charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

The partnership between GM, EVgo, and Pilot demonstrates the commitment of major companies to support the transition to electric vehicles. With the continued expansion of the charging network, EV owners can expect a more seamless and convenient driving experience, making electric vehicles a more viable option for drivers across the country.

In the broader context, the growth of the EV charging network highlights the ongoing shift towards sustainable transportation and the critical role that infrastructure plays in supporting this transition. As the world moves towards a more environmentally friendly future, the development of comprehensive and reliable EV charging networks will be essential for widespread EV adoption.