A new strategic partnership between international energy company E.ON and Denmark based e-Mobility service provider CLEVER has been established with the ambition to roll out ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles along main European motorway corridors.
The two partners have considerable experience and expertise in building and operating EV infrastructure networks and related services in Northern Europe. The joint ambition of the partners is to now establish several hundred ultra-fast EV charging locations across Europe. The sites will be placed every 120-180 kilometers along motorways. E.ON and CLEVER invite more partners with the same ambitions to join this effort.
CLEVER and E.ON share the ambition to take a leading role in shaping tomorrow’s transportation system in Europe. The common vision is to establish Europe’s first ultra-fast charging backbone for electric car drivers, and the first ultra-fast charger will already be installed this year. The two partners are in dialogue with a number of other parties. The formation and timing of the partnership and the shared ambition is, however, also linked to the growing demand from motorists requesting seamless and sustainable transportation alternatives. This is combined with the promise by multiple car manufacturers to market numerous next generation electric cars with longer driving range within the next few years. The number of electric cars on European roads is set to grow dramatically over the coming years, as European countries increasingly mandate CO2 emission reductions in transportation, and as EV technology further evolves.
The ambition is to create a unique and coherent pan-European ultra-charging network that is capable of accommodating the charging needs of both existing EVs and the next generations of long-distance EVs. Initially, the ultra-fast charging stations will offer 150 kW of charging power with a modular upgrade option to 350 kW, following the technological development.
The intention is to connect several major European cities with ultra-fast charging services. The network is expected to become an important stepping stone for future European EV drivers who choose a greener means of transportation. The ultra-fast charging stations will initially enable charging of a full 400 kilometers range battery in only 20-30 minutes, and charging time will be further reduced as charging capacity is increased and vehicle technology also develops. The partners also plan to offer other related services to EV drivers.
Building new infrastructure is a large undertaking that requires large investments and access to the right locations. The two partners are therefore in dialogue with a number of e-Mobility players and other interested parties, inviting them to take part in the ambition to roll out Europe’s first ultra-fast charging network.
