Electric vehicle transition has started to gain traction as governments worldwide aim to address the pollution-related issues brought on by fossil fuel reliance, especially in the transportation sector.
In that sense, leading oil and gas provider Shell decided to join the shift by launching its all-electric fueling station, dubbing it the “gas station of the future.”
Shell electrifies its London gas station amid the accelerating EV adoption
Shell ultimately replaced all of the existing gas pumps from its London station with nine high-powered 175kW charge points last year, Bloomberg reported. The move marks the company’s first EV-only charging in the UK.
The company installed a sustainable wood ceiling with built-in solar panels above each charger. Interestingly, the chargers have the capacity to charge a Tesla Model 3 in just around 30 minutes for only below $40, offering a substantially faster charging speed than most home chargers.
Apart from the charging speed, Shell also ensured to offer several luxury elements that may entertain drivers while waiting for their EVs to fully charge.
EV owners can eat at a fast-casual convenience store at the site or grab a coffee at a nearby shop. They can also utilize the site’s lounge chairs and connect to the free wifi for customers. They can even go grocery shopping, among other things, to avoid getting impatient with the charging process.
What’s the big deal?
The electrification of Shell’s gas station in London is part of its wider strategy to boost its EV charging infrastructure initiatives. The company aims to expand its public EV charging network to 100,000 points by 2030.
Apart from that, it is also a strategic financial move, given that customers will have the urge to spend money on food or other accommodations while waiting for the charging process.
See Also:
- Shell deploys its first e-ferry at the Singapore plant
- Shell USA is acquiring EV charging network Volta for $169 million
- Shell and ABB unveil its “World’s fastest” EV charger in Germany
- Will EV chargers ever come to service stations?
- 7-Eleven deploys ‘7Charge’ EV Charging Network
Numerous studies have already proved that the lack of reliable charging infrastructures is customers’ top concern that impedes the full EV uptake. That said, continuous deployment of EV chargers in strategic areas can undoubtedly address this issue. Moreover, Shell’s strategy of offering relevant elements such as food stalls and lounges is remarkable, given that it would offer high convenience among EV owners while charging their cars.
