Renault has announced plans to build a network of charging stations for electric cars along highways across Europe, with the first to open within a few months.
Mobilize, the French carmaker’s e-mobility services unit, said that the first charging station would open in southern France, with plans for 200 more locations across France, Spain, Italy and Belgium by mid-2024. If the roll-out is successful the firm will turn its focus to other European countries.
Demand for electric vehicles has soared in recent years, but the infrastructure required to facilitate widespread adoption is still lacking. Consumers have cited a lack of available charging points as a major factor preventing them from making an EV purchase.
Rival firms Tesla and Volkswagen are some way ahead in rolling out their own charging stations, but the announcement from Renault – not usually considered a major player in the EV market – shows a clear intent to catch up.
The new charging stations will be installed at Renault dealerships located close to highway exits, and will provide rest, refreshment and entertainment facilities for passengers.
Mobilize said it would use a stationary storage system to avoid the need to upgrade existing power grid infrastructure, .
“This will allow us to charge these containers very gently, without disrupting the power grid,” said Nicolas Schottey, head of Mobilize Power Solutions.