Seven of the world’s leading automakers, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, General Motors, BMW Group and Stellantis NV, will join forces to spearhead North America’s new electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

The project, the partnership hopes, will accelerate the adoption of zero-CO2-emission vehicles, enabling Canadians to reduce their collective carbon output.

The central feature of the initiative will be a high-powered charging network of at least 30,000 chargers. The goal is to make zero-emission driving feasible and practical for EV owners across the continent, enticing more drivers to switch from older internal combustion engine models.

The joint venture will leverage private and public funds from the federal, state and provincial levels. The capital influx will enable a massive build-out and accommodate all battery pack designs, including the Combined Charging System (CCS) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

Previously, critics of the EV industry claimed that adoption would remain minimal as long as charging infrastructure was scant. This new partnership promises to change that perception by establishing North America’s most dependable network of chargers. Current plans will see station placements in metro areas, along connecting corridors, and on major highways for inter-city travel.

The new North American EV charging network will also aim to improve the driver experience. Charging stations will prioritize efficiency and performance, charging vehicles in record time, convenience and comfort. While recharging won’t be as rapid as trips to the gas station, the automakers hope that providing pleasant surroundings will make the wait less onerous.

The fact that so many automakers are keen to see this network become successful should come as no surprise. EV adoption continues to surge, and the demand for reliable public vehicle charging stations is rising exponentially. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that there are currently only 32,000 fast-charging stations available for 2.3 million EVs in North America, with a ratio of 72 cars to every charging point. The new project will contribute to the estimated 182,000 DC charging points required for the 30 to 42 million electric vehicles experts forecast will be on the road by 2030.

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse expressed his pride in being one of the founding partners of the initiative, recognizing the potential of North America to lead the way to electromobility. GM CEO Mary Barra also contributed in a press release, saying that it was critical to deliver EVs to customers alongside an accessible public charging network. Finally, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe emphasized creating memorable user experiences, transforming the charging process from a chore into something enjoyable.

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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.