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Home EV Charging Guide: Everything GM Owners Need to Know

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Home EV charging is easier than many drivers think. Here’s everything GM EV owners need to know about charging, installation, costs, and charging standards.

Charging an electric vehicle at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep a battery full. According to industry estimates, more than 80% of EV charging in the United States happens at home, making public charging a secondary option for most drivers. Understanding the different charging levels, connector types, and installation requirements can help owners get the most from their electric vehicle.

Most EV owners recharge their vehicles at home using Level 1 or Level 2 charging.

Level 1 vs. Level 2 home EV charging

Home EV charging comes in two primary forms. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and requires no special installation. While it’s the simplest solution, it typically adds only 3 to 5 miles of driving range per hour, making it best suited for drivers with short daily commutes.

Level 2 charging operates on a 240-volt circuit and requires professional installation. The faster charging speed makes it the preferred solution for most homeowners, with compatible GM home chargers capable of adding up to 44 miles of range per hour. Many workplaces, hotels, parking garages, and public locations also offer Level 2 charging.

Level 2 charging provides significantly faster charging speeds than a standard household outlet.

Understanding NACS and CCS charging connectors

Modern GM electric vehicles are transitioning to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), while previous models use the Combined Charging Standard (CCS1/J1772) connector. The difference is simply the charging plug design, and adapters allow owners to use either standard without replacing their home charging equipment.

Installing a Level 2 charger requires a qualified electrician, who will determine whether the home’s electrical system can support the new circuit. Installation costs vary depending on the home’s electrical panel, wiring distance, and available capacity.

Smart charging helps reduce costs

Many electric utilities offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, allowing owners to schedule charging overnight and reduce operating costs. GM’s mobile apps also let owners monitor battery status, set charging limits, and schedule charging sessions remotely.

For daily driving, charging to 80% is generally recommended to help preserve long-term battery health, while charging to 100% is best reserved for longer road trips.

Smart charging allows EV owners to schedule charging during lower-cost overnight hours.

Home charging also unlocks advanced technologies such as vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability. Compatible GM EVs paired with the appropriate charging equipment can supply electricity to a properly equipped home during a power outage, while optional home energy storage systems can store excess electricity for later use.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

GM EV Charging Network Expands to 120+ IONNA Stations

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GM EV drivers can now access more than 120 IONNA fast-charging stations across the United States with seamless charging through Energy Pass.

Electric vehicle owners driving Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models now have access to an even larger public charging network as IONNA continues expanding across the United States. Backed by General Motors and seven other major automakers, the fast-growing charging network now operates 122 charging locations nationwide with 1,166 DC fast-charging stalls, making long-distance EV travel more convenient than ever.

The expansion also strengthens GM’s charging ecosystem by integrating IONNA directly into the company’s Energy Pass platform, allowing drivers to locate chargers, start charging sessions and pay without downloading additional apps.

GM EV drivers now have access to more than 120 IONNA fast-charging stations across the United States.

GM expands fast charging across the United States

IONNA continues rapidly expanding its footprint with stations strategically located across major travel corridors.

Many of the new locations feature IONNA Rechargeries, offering drivers amenities such as:

  • Fast charging up to 400 kW
  • Food and beverage options
  • Modern restrooms
  • Well-lit charging areas
  • Comfortable rest stops during charging sessions

The network is designed to reduce charging times while providing a better experience for EV owners traveling long distances.

IONNA Rechargery locations combine ultra-fast charging with convenient traveler amenities.

Energy Pass simplifies public EV charging

GM’s new Energy Pass integrates public charging directly into the MyChevrolet, MyCadillac, and MyGMC mobile apps.

Instead of creating multiple charging accounts, drivers can:

  • Find compatible charging stations
  • Start charging remotely
  • Pay directly through one account
  • Use Plug & Charge for automatic authentication
  • Receive a 10% discount when charging at participating IONNA stations

The system also provides access to multiple charging providers through a single interface.

Energy Pass allows GM EV owners to access multiple charging networks from one app.

More charging options for GM electric vehicles

Beyond IONNA, Energy Pass also connects GM customers with several of the nation’s largest charging networks, including Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, and additional providers that continue expanding throughout the country.

Combined, these networks provide access to nearly 70% of all DC fast chargers in the United States, giving GM EV owners significantly greater charging flexibility whether commuting daily or taking longer road trips.

As IONNA continues opening new locations nationwide, General Motors is strengthening one of the most important aspects of EV ownership: convenient, reliable and easy-to-use public charging infrastructure.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Hyundai myQ Connected Garage Brings Smart Garage Control to Vehicles

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Hyundai expands its connected car experience by integrating myQ Connected Garage technology, allowing drivers to monitor and control compatible garage doors directly from the vehicle’s touchscreen.

Hyundai Motor America has announced a new partnership with Chamberlain Group to introduce Hyundai myQ Connected Garage, a feature that allows drivers to monitor and operate compatible garage doors directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Available on select 2024-2026 Hyundai models in the U.S., the new connected service enhances convenience by integrating smart home technology with Hyundai’s Bluelink platform.

Hyundai myQ Connected Garage adds smarter vehicle connectivity

The new Hyundai myQ Connected Garage system enables owners to check whether their garage door is open or closed and control it remotely without leaving the vehicle.

Once linked to a compatible myQ account and Hyundai Bluelink, the service provides seamless access through the vehicle’s touchscreen display.

Among the new features are:

  • Automatic garage door opening and closing through customizable geofencing.
  • Remote monitoring and control from virtually anywhere.
  • Personalized opening and closing distance settings.
  • Valet Mode to temporarily disable garage access.
  • Support for multiple garage doors and multiple properties.
  • Close Door Reminder notifications if the garage remains open.

Hyundai introduces myQ Connected Garage technology for compatible vehicles.

Compatible with leading smart garage systems

The Hyundai myQ Connected Garage platform works with several of the most popular smart garage door brands in North America, including:

  • LiftMaster
  • Chamberlain
  • Craftsman

Garage door systems from many other manufacturers can also become compatible by adding the myQ Smart Garage Control device, eliminating the need for additional vehicle hardware or manual programming.

Once connected through a Hyundai Bluelink account, drivers can access their garage controls directly from the infotainment screen for a more integrated ownership experience.

The system supports multiple garage doors through a single myQ account.

Three-month free trial available on select Hyundai models

Hyundai is offering a three-month complimentary trial of myQ Connected Garage for eligible customers.

The service is available on select 2024, 2025 and 2026 Hyundai vehicles, depending on model and trim level, giving owners the opportunity to experience expanded smart home integration through their vehicle.

This latest technology further strengthens Hyundai’s connected ecosystem by combining vehicle convenience, home automation and remote accessibility into a single seamless platform.

Eligible Hyundai owners receive a complimentary three-month trial of myQ Connected Garage.

As connected vehicle technology continues to evolve, Hyundai myQ Connected Garage represents another step toward integrating everyday digital services into the driving experience. By allowing drivers to manage their garage doors directly from the vehicle, Hyundai expands its smart mobility ecosystem while offering greater convenience, security and peace of mind for customers across the U.S. market.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Chinese Automakers Develop AI Chips to Reduce Costs and Challenge Nvidia

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Chinese automakers are accelerating the development of in-house AI chips as they seek to lower costs, improve autonomous driving technology and reduce their dependence on suppliers such as Nvidia.

China’s automotive industry is entering a new phase of competition. After becoming the global leader in electric vehicle battery production, several manufacturers are now investing heavily in proprietary AI chips designed to power advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and future autonomous driving technologies.

Companies including BYD, NIO, XPeng and Li Auto believe developing their own processors will allow them to control costs, speed up innovation and better integrate hardware with software.

Chinese automakers are investing heavily in AI chips

The Chinese automakers AI chips strategy reflects how modern vehicles are becoming software-defined products.

Instead of relying entirely on technology companies, manufacturers are creating processors specifically optimized for their own vehicles and autonomous driving systems.

These custom chips process data from cameras, radar, lidar and driver-monitoring systems while supporting increasingly advanced driving features.

As more affordable electric vehicles receive sophisticated driver-assistance technology, reducing hardware costs has become a major competitive advantage.

Chinese automakers are investing billions to develop their own AI chips for future electric vehicles.

BYD leads the race with its own autonomous driving chip

Among all manufacturers, BYD has made one of the biggest moves.

The company recently introduced its Xuanji A3, a 4-nanometer AI chip designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving.

According to BYD, the processor delivers performance comparable to Nvidia’s Thor platform while costing significantly less to produce.

The automaker also announced plans to invest more than $14.7 billion in intelligent vehicle technologies over the next three years.

BYD’s Xuanji A3 chip is designed to power next-generation intelligent vehicles.

NIO, XPeng and Li Auto expand their chip programs

BYD is not alone in pursuing this strategy.

NIO already uses its 5-nanometer Shenji NX9031 processor in production vehicles and estimates it can reduce hardware costs by roughly $1,400 per vehicle compared with Nvidia-based systems.

Meanwhile, XPeng continues expanding development of its Turing AI chip, which could eventually be supplied to other manufacturers. The company is already collaborating with Volkswagen on China-market electric vehicles.

Li Auto has also entered the race with its Mach M100 processor, developed specifically for its flagship L9 SUV and future intelligent driving systems.

Several Chinese automakers are designing proprietary chips to power future autonomous driving systems.

The rapid expansion of Chinese automakers AI chips highlights how competition in the electric vehicle industry is moving beyond batteries and into software and semiconductor technology. As manufacturers gain greater control over both hardware and software, they can reduce production costs while accelerating the development of advanced driver-assistance systems.

For global automakers, this trend represents a significant challenge. Companies that continue relying exclusively on third-party suppliers such as Nvidia, Qualcomm or Mobileye could find themselves at a growing cost disadvantage as Chinese brands strengthen their technological leadership in the global EV market.

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