It’s happening. The first 17 locations of the Pilot Travel Centers/General Motors/EVgo national electric vehicle fast charging network are open. They cover 13 states and feature all the amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J travel center locations.

The Network Plan

The intention to develop the network was announced in July of 2022. The network will include 2,000 charging stalls, co-branded “Pilot Flying J” and “Ultium Charge 360.” They will be powered by EVgo eXtend and open to all EV brands at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. There will be special benefits for GM customers. These include exclusive reservations and discounts on charging. Additionally, GM customers will have a streamlined charging process through Plug and Charge and integration into GM’s vehicle brand apps. This provides real-time charger availability and help with route planning. But there’s more. Pilot’s myRewards Plus app, the EVgo app, PlugShare, and other apps for EV drivers will assist in finding available charging locations. The myRewards Plus app will also be a source for regular deals on food, beverages, and merchandise.

Up to 350 kW of Power

Pilot and Flying J travel centers plan to feature numerous fast charging stalls provided by EVgo. This includes high power fast chargers capable of offering up to 350 kW. EVgo is also working with GM to add more than 3,250 fast U.S. chargers by the end of 2025. EVgo was chosen as a partner due to its experience building, operating, and maintaining DC fast charging infrastructure. Many of the travel center sites will feature canopies to help protect customers from the elements while they charge their vehicles. Additionally, pull-through capability will allow for convenient charging for electric pickup trucks and SUVs pulling trailers. Furthermore, the chargers will be centrally located in well-lit areas and monitored by on-site staff. And of course, there will be access to restrooms, food and beverage options, and free Wi-Fi.

It’s a Network Designed to Help Grow the Use of EVs

This new network is designed to help grow the use of EVs. “EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors. These new charging locations and the many more to come, will be critical for improving range confidence,” said Adam Wright, Pilot Travel Centers LLC chief executive officer. “As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.” Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy echoed the thought. “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. This new network will provide EV drivers with a quality charging experience and greater peace of mind during road trips.”

More by the End of 2023

Pilot and Flying J will install EV fast charging at at least 25 travel centers by the end of 2023. The companies plan to install EV fast charging at 200 locations by the end of 2024. This puts the network on its way to meeting the goal of 2,000 high-power fast charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the U.S.