In this round-up of new from the electric vehicle industry, Gemserv unveils proposals to increase EV uptake and new Fastned rapid charging hubs are to be installed in the North East of England.
NewMotion reaches 100,000 charge points, claims industry first
Shell-owned EV charging operator NewMotion has hit 100,000 charge points across Europe in its roaming charging network.
More than 170,000 EV drivers across 28 countries are registered for a NewMotion charge card, which allows international billing and settlement.
The company was bought by Shell in 2017 as part of the O&G giant’s push towards low carbon technologies. It works with over 200 roaming partners to build its network of public charge points.
Sytse Zuidema, NewMotion CEO, said that e-mobility, charging infrastructure and charging services should always be “designed for utmost efficiency” and they are planning on developing “new and better services.”
NewMotion also offers residential and work-place charge points. Having reached this milestone as it enters its tenth year, the company is looking to continue expanding its network throughout Europe.
EV industry must ‘step-up’ to increase uptake, says Gemserv
The EV industry must take responsibility for accelerating EV uptake instead of “relying on government intervention”, Gemserv says.
Gemserv has launched proposals for a new industry wide EV Governance Framework (EVGF) that it said will replace the need for “prescriptive regulation.”
The EVGF will boost consumer confidence in EVs, address market failures and provide a forum to engage market actors, Gemserv says.
Trevor Hutchings, Director of Strategy and Communications at Gemserv, said that the consultation is an opportunity to “step-up and grip the issues holding back the EV market.”
“The challenges facing those in the market are complex and significant, and require sustained action in order to achieve a swift and viable transition to EVs.”
The EVGF will be overseen by an industry-led forum and include a digital platform to power a new marketplace and compliance tool. It comprises common rules and standards for areas such as smart charging and data sharing.
Fastned to install rapid charging hubs across North East
Five rapid charging hubs are to be installed throughout the North East by charging company Fastned.
The company won a second UK tender led by the North East Joined Transport Committee to build and operate the charging hubs. Each hub will have two 50kW rapid chargers that will deliver 100% renewable electricity.
The hubs will be located in Gateshead, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Washington, and Kingston Park.
Michiel Langezaal, CEO of Fastned, said that EVs could be “just as practical as cars with internal combustion engines” with reliable rapid charging infrastructure.
Councillor Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee and leader of Gateshead Council, said the new hubs will help establish the North East as “a leader in electric mobility.”
The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
