General Motors is driving EV adoption forward with a comprehensive guide and seamless ecosystem for charging—whether at home or on the road. In a recent explainer titled “EV Charging 101,” the automaker broke down the essentials of powering GM electric vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to making EV ownership practical, intuitive, and future-ready.
With the transition from the widely used CCS (Combined Charging System) to the NACS (North American Charging Standard) beginning in 2025, GM aims to unify charging standards across the industry. Cadillac’s upcoming 2026 OPTIQ and OPTIQ-V models will be the first GM vehicles equipped with native NACS ports, allowing direct access to Tesla Superchargers without adapters.
Home Charging Made Easy
For everyday use, GM promotes home charging as the most convenient and cost-effective method. Two levels are supported:
- Level 1 (120-volt): A standard outlet offering 3–5 miles of range per hour—ideal for short commutes.
- Level 2 (240-volt): Significantly faster, providing up to 40 miles of range per hour.
GM Energy’s PowerUp 2 and PowerShift chargers allow overnight charging and even vehicle-to-home (V2H) energy backup during power outages, especially when paired with the V2H Enablement Kit. Preferred installation partners like Qmerit ensure a smooth setup process.
Public Charging Across North America
With access to over 250,000 charging stations through partnerships with EVgo, ChargePoint, and Pilot/Flying J—and now more than 21,500 Tesla Superchargers via GM-approved NACS adapters—GM EV owners can confidently travel long distances. The upcoming IONNA Rechargery network, a joint venture with other automakers, is expected to further expand fast-charging availability along key highways.
New GM EVs come equipped with Google Maps and built-in route planning to locate and filter nearby chargers, including availability and speed. The GM brand apps further simplify public charging by linking with provider networks and supporting Plug and Charge—a technology that allows automatic payment and authentication just by plugging in.
Charging Etiquette and Performance Tips
The guide also highlights proper charging behavior: vacating spots after an 80% charge, avoiding unnecessary use of shared power stations, and never unplugging other vehicles. Charging speeds may vary due to battery temperature, usage history, and other conditions, but pre-conditioning and charging to 80% are advised for daily use.
As General Motors accelerates toward a more electrified future, the company continues to refine the EV experience. Whether at home, downtown, or on the highway, GM’s expanding charging infrastructure and integrated digital tools are ensuring that powering up is as smooth as the ride itself.
