Oil giant Shell will today move its push into the electric mobility services market up a gear with confirmation 10 of its petrol stations across London, Derby, and the South East will provide rapid charging for electric vehicle (EV) drivers by the end of the year.
The Anglo-Dutch company will today reveal its new Shell Recharge service is now available to EV customers at three of its forecourts – Holloway in London, Whyteleafe in Surrey and in Derby – with a further seven within Greater London and Reading set to join them before the end of 2017 and more to follow next year.
Shell Recharge 50kW DC rapid chargers enable EV drivers to power up from zero to 80 per cent capacity in around 30 minutes and are compatible with most EVs, the firm said. It added that the first 10 sites had been chosen due to their proximity to main driving routes.
With no subscription or connection fees, the service enables EV drivers to purchase the power they need using the Smoov mobile payment system, and until June next year Shell is offering electricity for an introductory price of 25p/kWh, instead of its usual price of 49p/kWh.
Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK future fuels manager, said the UK was the first country in which Shell Recharge was being made available, ahead of plans to also launch in the Netherlands “soon”.
The company also said it was developing “a full raft of charge solutions” to support the fast-expanding EV market, but again reiterated its view that new EV technologies would evolve to “co-exist with traditional transport fuels”.
“We’re pleased to offer rapid electric charging on the forecourt, allowing us to broaden the range of fuel choices we deliver,” said Lindsay-Green in a statement. “Shell Recharge will soon be available at ten sites in the UK and will offer EV drivers in these areas a reliable, convenient and subscription-free charging service where they can charge their vehicle and take a break from their journey.”
The move comes through a partnership announced earlier this year with Dutch EV charging company Allego, which will manage the operation of the chargers. It also follows Shell’s acquisition of another Dutch EV charging provider, NewMotion, last week.
Shell said it had been collaborating with Transport for London (TfL) to introduce the fast charging points, in line with London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s aim for the capital to be zero emission by 2050.
Shirley Rodrigues, the Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy, welcomed Shell’s announcement as an important step in supporting EVs across London.
“With sales of diesel cars declining, it’s vital to have charging points for electric vehicles in service stations, car parks and on our streets,” she said in a statement. “As the Mayor moves towards making London’s transport system zero-emission by 2050, TfL are working with boroughs to increase charging infrastructure across our city. The expansion we require will continue to demand strong collaboration with industry, private landowners and greater investment from government.”
Source: businessgreen.com
