Photo: Nissan
One of the greatest advantages that Tesla continues to have over any competitor is its own network of fast-charging stations. Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen might build EVs with similar range, attractive design and plenty of features, but at the end of the day, they still can't promise their customers the same freedom of movement as Tesla can.
Supercharger access used to be free of charge as well, but with the introduction of the Model 3, only the older cars will keep that privilege. It won't matter, though, as that wasn't the network's main selling point, but its excellent coverage as well as the unparalleled charging rates.
European EV makers - or should we say "planned EV makers," because they don't really have anything to show for right now? - are lagging behind with a very heterogeneous network of charging stations belonging to different companies and using different standards, all while providing low charging outputs.
Things are set to move forward in this respect pretty soon with the Ultra-E project leading the way. The initiative from a conglomerate of carmakers and infrastructure specialists looks to build a network of charging stations capable of delivering rates of 350 kW that would link Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Austria.
Now, we learn of another major development that would affect the entire continent - well, at least its western and central part. Two of the most significant charging networks in Europe - Allego, who is part of the Ultra-E project, and Fortum Charge & Drive, a Finnish energy company that also deals in charging stations - have announced the signing of an agreement to work together toward a "pan-European open" network.
“The current EV charging landscape in Europe is fragmented," commented Anja van Niersen, CEO of Allego. "Cross border mobility and long distance is difficult for the EV driver. As many car manufacturers bring significant new full electric vehicles to the market, the need for home charging, smart public charging and ultra-fast charging on-the-go increases. By joining forces with Fortum Charge & Drive we are able to offer aligned services throughout Europe. Together we can be the largest provider of open and interoperable charging solutions.”
Indeed, 2019 promises to be the year when EVs storm the European markets as Mercedes-Benz and the Volkswagen Group launch their first dedicated battery-powered models. By that time, Tesla's Model 3 should also become available for export, becoming another vehicle that could make use of the new stations.
This alliance might have another side consequence: turning the CCS charging standard - which both companies share - into the winner of the ongoing battle with CHAdeMO, the other variant used particularly by the Asian-made EVs available in Europe (most notably the Nissan LEAF and Kia Soul EV).
European EV makers - or should we say "planned EV makers," because they don't really have anything to show for right now? - are lagging behind with a very heterogeneous network of charging stations belonging to different companies and using different standards, all while providing low charging outputs.
Things are set to move forward in this respect pretty soon with the Ultra-E project leading the way. The initiative from a conglomerate of carmakers and infrastructure specialists looks to build a network of charging stations capable of delivering rates of 350 kW that would link Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Austria.
Now, we learn of another major development that would affect the entire continent - well, at least its western and central part. Two of the most significant charging networks in Europe - Allego, who is part of the Ultra-E project, and Fortum Charge & Drive, a Finnish energy company that also deals in charging stations - have announced the signing of an agreement to work together toward a "pan-European open" network.
“The current EV charging landscape in Europe is fragmented," commented Anja van Niersen, CEO of Allego. "Cross border mobility and long distance is difficult for the EV driver. As many car manufacturers bring significant new full electric vehicles to the market, the need for home charging, smart public charging and ultra-fast charging on-the-go increases. By joining forces with Fortum Charge & Drive we are able to offer aligned services throughout Europe. Together we can be the largest provider of open and interoperable charging solutions.”
Indeed, 2019 promises to be the year when EVs storm the European markets as Mercedes-Benz and the Volkswagen Group launch their first dedicated battery-powered models. By that time, Tesla's Model 3 should also become available for export, becoming another vehicle that could make use of the new stations.
This alliance might have another side consequence: turning the CCS charging standard - which both companies share - into the winner of the ongoing battle with CHAdeMO, the other variant used particularly by the Asian-made EVs available in Europe (most notably the Nissan LEAF and Kia Soul EV).
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