Shell opens first EV rapid charging stations

Fuel giant Shell has opened the first of a network of rapid charging stations for plug-in vehicles at petrol stations forecourts in London, Surrey and Derby.

The charging points at Shell Holloway, Shell Wyteleafe and Shell Derby will be followed by a further seven locations within Greater London and Reading before the end of the year.

A plug-in taxi charging at one of Shell’s first rapid charging points (Picture: @LondonEVCompany)

Operating under the brand Shell Recharge, the charging points have been introduced in partnership with Dutch firm Allego which will manage the operation of the rapid chargers.

Customers will pay a total of 25p per kWh to charge their vehicles at the sites until June, when the cost will then increase to 49p per kWh.

By the end of 2017, Shell Recharge will be operational at Shell Addlestone (Surrey), Shell Blendon (Kent), Shell Burgh Heath (Surrey), Shell Derby, Shell Fairfield (Reading), Shell Holloway (London), Shell Ickenham (London), Shell Stirling Corner (Hertfordshire), Shell West Drayton (London) and Shell Whyteleafe (Surrey). Shell Recharge will also soon launch in the Netherlands.

The location of the first ten sites have been chosen because of their proximity to main driving routes, and where there is an opportunity to reach more EV drivers, Shell has said.

Fuel

Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK Future Fuels Manager, said: “Shell Recharge provides Electric Vehicle drivers with a convenient way to charge their cars on-the-go. We’re pleased to offer rapid electric charging on the forecourt, allowing us to broaden the range of fuel choices we deliver.”

As part of this initiative, Shell has been collaborating with Transport for London (TfL) to introduce the charging points, in line with the London Mayor’s drive for a Zero Emission capital by 2050.

Shirley Rodrigues, the Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy said: “It is great news that Shell is introducing electric vehicle charging services on its forecourts as thousands more Londoners switch to cleaner cars. 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.

“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.”

Anja van Niersen, chief executive of Allego said: “electric mobility is developing very fast and a new generation of e-cars is now available for consumers. We highly value Shell’s vision and leadership in integrating rapid charging at their service stations. We know that electric vehicle drivers want the right charging solution at the right place, to be always available and combined with excellent services. Shell Recharge shows how these wishes can be met.”