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GM Unveils Energy Pass and Plug and Charge to Simplify EV Charging in 2026

GM has announced two major updates aimed at making electric vehicle charging much easier for its customers. Revealed at the 2026 Empower event in June, the new Energy Pass platform and Plug and Charge feature promise to streamline the charging process for GM EV owners across the United States.

Energy Pass: One Platform for Multiple Charging Networks

Energy Pass is designed to address the fragmented nature of public EV charging in the US. Instead of juggling multiple apps and accounts for different charging networks, GM drivers can now use a single platform integrated into the MyChevrolet, MyCadillac, or MyGMC apps.

With Energy Pass, users have one login and one stored payment method that works across supported networks. At launch, the platform supports Tesla Supercharger, IONNA, and Electrify America, with ChargePoint already joined and EVgo coming soon. This coverage accounts for nearly 70% of all US DC fast chargers.

Features and Benefits of Energy Pass

Energy Pass offers a live map of participating charging networks, displaying key information such as station ratings, hours, address, distance, pricing, Plug and Charge compatibility, connector types, and whether an adapter is needed. Users can also check their charging status in real time, review charging history with receipts, see a total price breakdown, and track payment methods and visited locations.

Enrollment in Energy Pass requires only a one-time sign-up, is free to join and use, and users pay only when charging. Additionally, Energy Pass users receive a 10% discount at IONNA locations.

Plug and Charge: Seamless Charging Experience

Plug and Charge enables GM EVs to start charging automatically when plugged in, with payment processed in the background. This eliminates the need to use a phone or payment card at the station. The vehicle identifies itself to the charger, verifies the account, and initiates charging and billing automatically.

This feature is already available at IONNA Rechargeries and ChargePoint, with further rollout to ChargePoint planned for this summer. GM’s NACS-native vehicles will also receive Plug and Charge support at Tesla Superchargers through an over-the-air update.

A man connects a charging cable to the rear charging port of a black EV.
Source: electrek.co

Why this matters

By consolidating access to major charging networks and automating payment, GM is addressing a significant pain point for EV owners: the complexity of public charging. These updates are intended to make charging more convenient and accessible for GM EV drivers, reducing the barriers to everyday use and long-distance travel.

What this means for buyers

GM EV owners can expect a much simpler charging experience, with fewer apps to manage and easier payment at most major charging stations. Buyers considering a GM electric vehicle will benefit from these improvements, especially if they frequently use public charging networks or travel long distances.

Key Specs

  • Energy Pass Supported Networks at Launch: Tesla Supercharger, IONNA, Electrify America, ChargePoint (EVgo coming soon)
  • Coverage of US DC Fast Chargers: Nearly 70%
  • Energy Pass Enrollment: One-time, free to join and use
  • Plug and Charge Availability: Live at IONNA Rechargeries and ChargePoint; coming to Tesla Superchargers for NACS-native vehicles via OTA update
  • Discount for Energy Pass Users: 10% at IONNA locations

Source

Images sourced from: electrek.co

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Hussain A.

EV news writer and editorial/video team lead at The Electric Viking. Researches EV-only stories, publishes news articles, and edits the YouTube videos behind the channel's daily coverage.

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