Shell Launches a True Electric Charging Station

Shell begins a new type of station dedicated to electric vehicle charging, some of which generate energy on-site.

Charging for electric cars started with simple standalone charging stations in parking lots. With the surge in sales—e.g., in the UK with 370,000 vehicles in 2021 compared to 9,000 twelve years ago—it’s time to rethink infrastructure.

When Shell transforms gas stations into electric stations

Committed to new energies, Shell, known for its oil business, is heavily investing in electric. In the UK, initial charging stations appeared in 2017. More than just covering the territory, its new project aims to build a real electric station modeled after traditional gas stations.

Shell built the first of its kind in Fulham, in southeastern London. It is not just a new location but a conversion of an old service station. Its “EV hub” features parking spaces protected by two wooden structure rooftops. Small shops offer coffee or lunch, with free Wi-Fi available.

Fast charging with green electricity

The Fulham station has 9 charging points, with a maximum power of 175 kW. This is more than enough for most current electric vehicles, although some can go faster. A Tesla Model 3, a Hyundai Ioniq 5, or a Porsche Taycan can receive over 200 kW at peak. Shell specifies that the electricity is 100% renewable, a quarter of which is supplied by solar panels on the roof. Fastned, now operating in France, does the same.

This first electric station opened in January 2022, and others will follow. The group aims for 5,000 charging points by 2025, and 500,000 worldwide. In the UK, there are currently 25,000, with the government targeting at least 250,000 by 2030.

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