Fast charging company Fastned officially opened its first fast charging station in Belgium today, making the company operational in four countries.
The new station is located close to the international airport of Ostend-Bruges. At the station, electric drivers can add up to 300 km range in 15 minutes, with electricity from the sun and wind.
Fastned currently has 128 fast charging stations in the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Belgium. All stations are open to the public 24/7.
The station was opened by Marcel Buelens, CEO Ostend-Bruges Airport, Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned and the mayor of the city of Ostend, Bart Tommelein.
“We want to give electric vehicles more freedom to drive electric and travel greater distances, which is why there is a need for a nation wide network of charging infrastructure and fast charging points like this one here at Ostend Airport. It can be an incentive for private individuals and companies to opt for zero-emission vehicles. In the future more of Fastned’s fast charging stations will appear on Flemish roads. At the beginning of this year, through the Agency for Roads and Traffic, I granted the permit to Fastned for the construction of 13 fast charging stations along Flemish motorways. This is how we are taking clear actions on greening mobility,” said Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters.
“The opening of the first Fastned station in Belgium is a great step in the expansion of our European fast charging network. Belgium is the fourth country where Fastned is now operational. With the growing European network, we make it easier for people to switch to an electric vehicle. Ostend-Bruges Airport is a unique location with a lot of traffic, where electric drivers can now fast charge their electric car. In the coming years we will realize many more stations in Belgium in cities and along motorways,” said Michiel Langezaal, CEO Fastned.
“Every new, green and innovative measure or action that we take within the framework of sustainability also takes local economic growth into account. By doing this, the airport not only wants to create added value for travelers with a smooth and fast service, but also for the environment,” said Marcel Buelens, CEO Ostend-Bruges Airport.
“The construction of this fast charging station at the airport shows ambition. As many as 4 cars at the same time can get a full charge in 15 minutes, powered by the sun and the wind. Ostend is proud of its scoop: the first Fastned charging station in Flanders. This makes us a solid link in a sustainable European network. As a local government, we take up the challenge of reducing our ecological footprint together with innovative entrepreneurs, without turning back the clock,” said Bart Tommelein, Mayor of the City of Ostend.
