And yes, it’ll have NACS accessibility. In a shocking but exciting announcement this morning, a group of some of the world’s largest automakers has combined forces into a new joint venture to deliver a new “high-powered” charger network across cities and highways in North America to expedite EV adoption. Oh, and they intend to power the entire network with renewable energy.
This is big news.
In covering this beat, we’ve seen EV adoption and innovation, as a whole, absolutely snowball globally in recent years. In North America, the transition to EVs by legacy automakers and consumers alike has been expedited by advantageous legislation implemented by US and Canadian governments.
In the US, the Biden administration’s Build Back Better Plan and passed Inflation Reduction Act have established federal tax credits for new and used EV leases and purchases, while helping fund the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to enable the installation of EV charging stations around the country.
The past two years especially, we’ve seen young and legacy EV automakers alike pairing up with existing charging networks that are slowly but surely expanding availability – permitting, grid access, and maintenance woes be damned.
Despite all that, Tesla’s Supercharger network has remained the undisputed champion in fast charger access and dependability, especially now that universal Magic Dock piles are rolling out, offering charging access to other branded EVs.
While our recent focus has been on nearly all major automakers and charging networks adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), it appears to be a mere footnote in today’s story that could see the number of publicly available DC fast chargers nearly double in a short time.
So who’s behind this massive joint venture to deliver a clean-powered charger network? You’ll recognize every single name.
Credit: All of them?
JV network to double EV fast charger access in the US
BMW Group, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, Stellantis NV – what an unprecedented roster of automotive prowess teaming up for a yet-to-be-named charging joint venture.
The seven new partners state that the joint venture intends to leverage federal and state investments in public charging with its own public and private funding, to quickly develop and implement a new network of “high-powered” chargers across North America. Each pending site will be equipped with multiple DC fast chargers that will be accessible to any and all EV drivers, whether their vehicle is using CCS or NACS. Well, maybe not all EVs… no mention of CHAdeMO (sorry LEAF drivers).
Per the US Department of Energy, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States as of July 2023, but 2.3 million EVs are vying for a plug. That’s a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed in the US alone to support the 30-42 million BEVs and PHEVs estimated on roads by 2030.
Beginning later this year, the new joint venture intends to add at least 30,000 new chargers to the tally sheet and is already vowing to deliver an experience that is “seamless, vehicle integrated, and supported by the quality, reliability, and resources of world-leading automakers.”
The network will also be powered by 100% renewable energy and offers Plug & Charge capabilities for those vehicles that support it. The CEO of each of the seven new charging partners had something to say, but Mercedes Group chief Ola Källenius’s words resonated most:
The fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. What we need now is speed – across political, social and corporate boundaries. To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we’re in favor of anything that makes life easier for our customers. Charging is an inseparable part of the EV-experience, and this network will be another step to make it as convenient as possible.
The initial plans for the network will see fast chargers installed in metropolitan areas and along major highways in North America, including connecting corridors and “vacation routes.” (You’d better start saving for Disney World.) These all won’t simply be charging piles in some random parking lot either – the new partners are genuinely looking to deliver a best-in-class EV charging experience and have said so outright. Per this morning’s release:
Focused on customer comfort and charging ease, the stations will be in convenient locations offering canopies wherever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience designed to showcase the future of charging.
The joint venture says work on the new fast charger network will begin later this year with first stations expected to open in the US next summer. Canada’s first stations will come “at a later stage.” Sorry!
Electrek’s Take
This is honestly shocking news.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw it on the page…
Honda?!?
Kidding. All are welcome in news like today’s joint venture, and Honda has found some truly strong company as it works to play catchup in a market landscape that is expected to see at least 50% of vehicle sales in the US be electric by the end of the decade.
This alliance may seem like its gunning for the Tesla Supercharger network and maybe it is, but who cares? We as EV drivers all benefit and so does the prospect of steadfast EV adoption. Tesla also doesn’t have anything to worry about as its network is only getting larger, plus everyone has essentially adopted its standard anyway so I think it’ll be just fine.
The real focus here should be the 30,000 new chargers on the way. Additionally, they’ll be powered entirely by renewable energy? *Chef’s kiss*
30K new piles are not enough to keep up with adoption yet, but one giant leap forward with plenty of automotive clout in the JV to instill confidence. Let’s just hope they don’t name the charger network something stupid like “X.”
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Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments on it. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been waiting for the interest rates on auto loans to drop, you’re in luck: there are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing this March … and that includes a zero percent Tesla deal!
UPDATE: some American icons return to the list, and we’ve got more bonus cash offers, too!
I’ve done a couple of these now, so you probably already know that there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
The 2024 Acura ZDX uses a GM Ultium battery and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you’ll get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and 0% financing for up to 72 months makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover deals in the business.
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All the electric Chevy EVs (again)
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.
As the auto industry transitions to electric, Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash, will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot.
These days, that’s the new electric Charger – and you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retrotastic ride with a $3,000 rebate plus 0% financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze edition; via Ford.
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown, above). Through March 31st, you can get $2,500 in bonus cash, a free L2 home charger installed, plus 0% financing for up to 72 months. Tesla owners can also get an additional $1,000 in conquest cash, bringing the hood money total to $3,500.
The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of 2024s, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV and Sierra Denali EV a test drive.
Honda Prologue
2024 Honda Prologue; via Honda.
Despite the Honda Prologue was one of the top-selling electric crossovers last year by combining GM’s excellent Ultium platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay, Honda upgraded the 2025 model with slightly more EPA range. Even so, there’s still some remaining 2024 inventory out there and dealers are ready to deal (that’s what they do, after all). To make room for the 2025 models, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on the remaining 2024s.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
IONIQ 5 record-setting performance; via Hyundai.
Hyundai is still offering 0% financing for 60 months on all versions of the hot-selling 2024 IONIQ 5 crossover, making it hard to overlook in the five-passenger segment. It’s worth noting that Hyundai is also offering the 5 with $7,500 bonus cash in select markets, but that offer can’t be stacked with the 0%, so do some math before deciding which way you want to go.
The Niro’s bigger siblings are getting the 0% treatment, too, for a longer 72 month term.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV; via Mitsubishi.
One of the first three-row plugin cars to hit the market (and a frequent addition to these 0% lists), Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV offers up to 38 miles of electric range from its 20 kWh li-ion battery, making it a great “lily pad” vehicle for suburban families who want to drive electric but still worry about being able to find a charging station when they need one.
Nissan Ariya
2024 Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With great discounts available at participating dealers, Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for their remaining 2024 Ariya crossovers.
Subaru Soltera
2023 Subaru Soltera; via Subaru.
Despite being something of a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your kayaks to the river. The company is hoping to help clear out its remaining 2024 models with big discounts and 0% financing for up to 72 months.
Tesla Model 3
Model 3 Highland; via Tesla.
Say what you will about Elon Musk – and I say plenty over on the Quick Charge podcast – the fact remains that we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
Volkswagen ID.4
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and (for 2024) a Chat-GPT enabled interface. To keep ID.4 sales rolling, VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 customer cash bonus to stack with it.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 09MAR2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Following approval from Transport Canada, EV startup Workhorse will be bringing the W56 and W750 model electric delivery vans to commercial truck dealers in Canada as early as this spring.
“This is a major step forward for Workhorse,” says Josh Anderson, Workhorse’s chief technology officer in a press statement. “Pre-clearance from Transport Canada opens up a large new market for our products throughout Canada, including with fleets that operate across borders in North America.”
Despite that uncertainty, Workhorse execs remain upbeat. “We’re excited that our electric step vans can now reach Canadian roads and highways, providing reliable, zero-emission solutions that customers can depend on,” added Anderson.
Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
FedEx electric delivery vehicle; via Workhorse.
There’s no other way to say it: the Trump/Musk co-presidency is disrupting a lot of companies’ plans – and that’s especially true across North American borders. But in all this chaos and turmoil there undoubtedly lies opportunity, and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.
The new Liebherr S1 Vision 140-ton hauler is unlike any heavy haul truck currently on the market – primarily because the giant, self-propelled, single-axle autonomous bucket doesn’t look anything like any truck you’ve ever seen.
Liebherr says its latest heavy equipment concept was born from a desire to rethink truck design with a focus only on core functions. The resulting S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle with two powerful electric motors sending power to a pair of massive airless tires designed carry loads up to 131 tonnes (just over 140 tons).
The design enables rapid maintenance, as important components easily accessible for quick servicing. Wear parts can be replaced efficiently, and the electric drive significantly reduces maintenance work. This helps to minimise downtimes and increases operational efficiency.
LIEBHERR
Because of its versatility, durability, and ability to perform zero-turn maneuvers that other equipment simply can’t, the Liebherr S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, mining, and even agriculture. There’s also a nonzero chance of this technology finding applications supporting other on-site equipment through charging or fuel delivery.
The S1 accomplishes that trick safely with the help of an automatic load leveling system that ensures maximum stability, even on bumpy or rough terrain. The company says this technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping while providing smooth and secure operation across various environments.