New electric vehicle charging network being built by major automakers could lure more buyers to EVs

By TOM KRISHER
AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — The announcement Wednesday that seven automakers will build a large North American electric vehicle charging network should pull people off the sidelines to at least consider switching from gas-powered vehicles. That’s how auto industry analysts see the move by General Motors, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and Stellantis. The automakers say the fast-charger network will rival Tesla’s and will nearly double the number of quick-charging plugs in the U.S. and Canada. The companies will share in a multibillion-dollar investment to build “high power” charging stations with at least 30,000 plugs in urban areas and along travel corridors by 2030.