General Motors, Shell Partner to Increase Charging Infrastructure

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

General Motors is partnering with an unlikely company to help the adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. According to Bloomberg, GM and Royal Dutch Shell are teaming up to help expand electric vehicle charging in the country and provide electric vehicle owners with household energy plans that draw on renewable energy sources. The end goal with this partnership is to help consumers make the switch to an electric vehicle.

Not Shell's First Rodeo

This isn't Shell's first attempt at trying to help consumers switch to an electric vehicle. The company already has a few electric-vehicle charging stations at a few gas stations that have been operational for years. Shell also has plans to install more EV charging stations across the globe. So, Shell is well on its way to actually helping people make the switch.

The partnership between GM and Shell isn't actually with Shell, but a Shell-owned called MP2 Energy LLC. The joint project from the two companies will begin in Texas and immediately help owners of one of GM's electric cars. The project will provide GM EV owners with free overnight charging this summer. Beyond free overnight charging, the partnership will provide GM customers and supply chain partners with a comprehensive energy program that includes fixed-rate home energy plans from renewable energy sources.

This partnership isn't the first of its kind and is sure to launch other partnerships between energy companies and automakers. Both are under fire from governments to clean up energy production and reduce emissions from automobiles. So, a partnership like this one makes plenty of sense. Recently, a Dutch court ruled that Shell must reduce its emissions by 45 percent by 2030. General Motors is looking to become carbon neutral globally by 2040.

Government's Stepping In

As Auto News points out, the United States lags behind nearly every other large market in electric-vehicle sales. Former President Donald Trump's decision to roll back fuel-economy regulations made the issue worse. Current President Joe Biden is looking to turn the issue around by rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and a plan to spend $174 billion to help EV adoption in the country. Whether the plan works remain to be seen, but we think some states' decision to stop allowing the sale of new vehicles by certain dates will be one of the more main factors that go into the adoption of EVs.

"Shell is working across many sectors to help address greenhouse gas emissions and to serve as a partner for change," said Shell's vice president of renewable energy solutions, Glenn Wright. "We see opportunities amidst the challenges of the energy transition, and we are excited to work with GM to provide options for consumers and businesses focused on their emissions impact."

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods