Pilot Travel Centers, General Motors and EVgo have opened the first 17 locations in their national electric-vehicle (EV) fast-charging network.
The network, available in 13 states, offers EV travelers access to the same amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J travel center locations, the Knoxville, Tennessee-based company said.
“EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors,” said Adam Wright, Pilot’s CEO. “These new charging locations and the many more to come, will be critical for improving range confidence. As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.”
Pilot, Detroit-based GM and Los Angeles-based EVgo, along with multiple public agencies and utilities, have worked together to grow the nation’s public fast-charging infrastructure, creating a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging, Pilot said.
“The three industry leaders have worked to provide current and future EV drivers with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long-distance travel,” Pilot said.
The company expects that by the end of 2023, at least 25 Pilot and Flying J travel centers will feature EV fast charging, with about 200 locations targeted by the end of 2024, Pilot said. In total, the network will include up to 2,000 high-power fast charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the United States, connecting urban and rural communities. Pilot has selected expansion sites for this network strategically for continued electrification of highly traveled corridors in every corner of the nation.
Many locations throughout the network offer a variety of 24/7 amenities, products and services, including:
- Multiple fast charging stalls at each site, with chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW.
- Canopies to help protect drivers from the elements during charging.
- Pull-through charging stalls to accommodate EV towing.
- Centrally located chargers in well-lit areas, monitored around-the-clock by onsite staff.
- Access to restrooms, food and beverage options and free Wi-Fi.
- Plug-and-charge compatibility for a streamlined charging experience.
In addition, the companies have built a seamless digital user experience into this network. EV travelers will be able to find available charging locations via Pilot’s myRewards Plus app, GM’s vehicle brand apps and the EVgo app, PlugShare and other applications designed for EV drivers, Pilot said.
Beginning in the spring, Pilot and GM will introduce exclusive benefits for GM drivers, including the ability to reserve a charger, as well as discounts on charging. All EV travelers also can save at Pilot and Flying J locations with regular deals on food, beverages and merchandise available in the myRewards Plus app.
“As GM continues to advance its vision of an all-electric future, we’re collaborating broadly to accelerate access to convenient charging at home and on the go, offering additional confidence to prospective single vehicle customers considering an EV,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “This new network will provide EV drivers with a quality charging experience and greater peace of mind during road trips.”
“EVgo is committed to delivering a convenient, reliable, and customer-centric charging experience,” said Dennis Kish, EVgo COO. “With robust amenities, optimal corridor locations, high-power charging and more, our collaboration with GM and Pilot Co. puts drivers first and boosts range confidence for every EV traveler on the road.”
Pilot has more than 800 retail and fueling locations and supplies more than 14 billion gallons of fuel per year to the market. Its Pilot and Flying J travel center network includes more than 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces with more than 790 restaurants, 75,000 truck parking spaces, 5,300 showers, 6,200 diesel lanes and truck maintenance and tire services with Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. The One9 Fuel Network connects a variety of fueling locations to provide smaller fleets and independent professional drivers with value, convenience, credit and perks.
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