Shell Bulgaria is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the country, with plans to install 64 charging points across 16 service stations in the next two years, according to trade director Nikolay Bogdanov. The company intends to partly finance the initiative with support from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Shell Bulgaria is also exploring partnerships with local companies for the installation of both hardware and software components of the charging points. Funding will be allocated for necessary grid upgrades alongside the installation process.
The main challenge in expanding the EV charging network lies in grid capacity, as well as meeting consumer demand, says Bogdanov. Some sites in Bulgaria require substantial investment to connect the charging points to the grid, which can make the projects economically unviable. However, Shell Bulgaria is determined to overcome this obstacle and promote sustainable mobility in the country.
Additionally, Shell Bulgaria has set sustainability targets that involve equipping all of its service stations with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Currently, 13 stations already have solar panels that replace around 18% of the consumed energy with clean power. The company plans to install panels at ten more stations in Q1 2024, followed by another ten in Q3 of the same year. Furthermore, all electricity used by Shell Bulgaria is green, ensured by guarantees of origin.
With a global commitment to sustainability, Shell aims to operate over 500,000 EV charge points worldwide by 2025 through its Shell Recharge network and app. This initiative provides EV drivers with convenient access to charging stations in the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America.
FAQ:
1. How many electric vehicle charging points will Shell Bulgaria install in the next two years?
Shell Bulgaria plans to install 64 charging points across 16 service stations in the country within the next two years.
2. How will Shell Bulgaria finance the expansion of its EV charging network?
The company intends to secure funding from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to partly finance the project.
3. What are the main challenges in expanding the EV charging network in Bulgaria?
Grid capacity and meeting consumer demand are the primary challenges in expanding the EV charging network in Bulgaria.
4. What sustainability targets does Shell Bulgaria aim to achieve?
Shell Bulgaria aims to equip all of its service stations with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to increase the usage of clean power.
5. What is Shell’s global commitment to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure?
Shell aims to operate over 500,000 EV charge points worldwide by 2025 through its Shell Recharge network and app, providing convenient access to EV charging for drivers globally.