DETROIT and KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Pilot Company and General Motors (GM) are partnering on a national DC fast charging network that will be installed, operated and maintained by EVgo through its eXtend offering.
The network of 2,000 charging stalls will be co-branded "Pilot Flying J" and "Ultium Charge 360" and open to all EV brands at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. GM customers will receive special benefits like exclusive reservations, discounts on charging, a streamlined charging process through Plug and Charge and integration into GM's vehicle brand apps, which provide real-time charger availability information and help with route planning.
The Pilot and Flying J travel centers plan to feature numerous fast charging stalls provided by EVgo, including high power fast chargers capable of offering up to 350 kW. The collaboration is aimed at installing charging stalls at 50-mile intervals across the U.S.
GM is already working with EVgo to add more than 3,250 fast chargers in American cities and suburbs by the end of 2025.
"GM and Pilot Company designed this program to combine private investments alongside intended government grant and utility programs to help reduce range anxiety and significantly close the gap in long-distance EV charger demand," said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company chief executive officer. "Our travel centers are well-equipped to accommodate EV charging with 24/7 amenities and convenient proximity to major roadways across the country. We look forward to collaborating with GM and the U.S. Department of Transportation to make convenient coast-to-coast EV travel a reality through our national network of travel centers."
This project is part of Pilot Company's New Horizons initiative to invest $1 billion to fully upgrade its travel centers with more premium amenities and offerings that aren't typically available at current EV charging locations. Guests will have access to free Wi-Fi at most locations, expanded seating and lounge areas, updated and modernized restrooms, on-site restaurants including Pilot's signature fresh hot and cold deli, premium coffee and shopping for travel essentials and souvenirs while their vehicles are charging.
The NACS EV Charging Calculator allows retailers to assess the cost and profitability of offering EV chargers at their sites. The calculator focuses on what retailer utility costs associated with EV recharging are and what the corresponding revenue must be to recover those costs after allowing for potential ancillary in-store visits and purchase profitability.
Read more about electricity demand charges and what they mean for retailers’ ability to turn a profit from EV charging in the September issue of NACS Magazine.
A recent Convenience Matters podcast episode discusses how EVs are the future, and another episode explains how convenience retailers can attract and retain EV customers.
Visit the NACS Electric Vehicles topics page for more information about EVs.