GM and Shell to Provide Free, Renewable Energy-based Charging for EVs
Automotive giant General Motors (GM) and energy major Shell, through its MP2 Energy subsidiary, announced today an initiative aimed at expanding access to renewable energy for GM customers and suppliers in Texas, including providing free overnight charging to electric vehicle owners.
Under the new program, owners of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac vehicles can now access fixed-rate home energy plans backed by 100% renewable energy sources, and owners of GM brands’ EVs will be able to select plans with options to schedule their EV charging during the free overnight hours, from midnight to 5am. The home energy plans will be expanded to employees of GM suppliers, and the suppliers will be also be offered access to a tailored suite of renewable energy products to assist in setting and achieving their individual emissions-reduction goals.
Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer at GM, said:
“Addressing climate change requires incredible scale. At GM, we’re committed to helping bring everybody in on a more sustainable future.”
Both GM and Shell have emerged at the forefront of their respective industries in terms of their climate and clean energy initiatives and targets. Earlier this year, GM launched a series of ambitious climate goals aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and eliminate tailpipe emissions by 2035. Last week, the company also announced it is ramping its investment in its EV and AV business to $35 billion through 2025.
Shell is targeting net-zero across at its Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions by 2050, and recently became the first energy major to receive shareholder approval for its climate transition strategy.
Glenn Wright, VP of Renewables and Energy Solutions at Shell, added:
“Shell is working across many sectors to help address greenhouse gas emissions and to serve as a partner for change. 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.”