Shell to install forecourt rapid chargers by end of year

Shell will start installing rapid chargers at UK forecourts, with the first units due to be operational before the end of 2017. Working with EV charging firm Allego, the first units will be installed in London, Derby, and the Netherlands.

With Shell’s intention to add EV charging points to forecourt announced previously, the company is ahead of forthcoming legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech last month. Charge points will have to be installed at motorway services (although there is already coverage thanks to the Electric Highway network) along with ‘large fuel retailers’, which has considerably less EV coverage currently.

However, with Shell’s intention to start installing EV charge points at its forecourts, this would provide added accessibility at sites which are already recognised as being important to transport routes. Shell has also started installing hydrogen refuelling stations at locations in the UK, further preparing itself for an EV-led market.

The move would see Allego enter the UK EV charging market with a significant partner, though it is not yet clear whether the units would be operated as a network, or on a pay-as-you-go basis in a similar way that drivers use petrol pumps. For the sake of simplicity and convenience, it is hoped that the latter is the case.

Anja van Niersen, CEO of Allego, said: “We are proud being a service partner for Shell and that we can contribute to the transition towards cleaner mobility. We are looking forward to support Shell in delivering excellent value to its customers.

“Allego is monitoring the EV market intensively. We see that people are willing to shift towards electric mobility. But a lack of appropriate level of charging infrastructure and interoperable charging services is one of their main concerns.

“Allego and Shell join forces by adding fast chargers at the right service stations. Shell now actively contributes in creating a reliable and open charging network. A network that is accessible for all EV drivers, despite the brand of the car.”